Winter Storm Preparedness

By Daniel Lofland

Winter weather can change quickly in Oklahoma. With extreme cold and the potential for snow moving into our area, now is the time to prepare. While arctic air alone does not usually cause power outages, severe winter conditions can strain the electric grid and lead to rolling outages to protect system reliability. 

If winter weather does cause outages in the coming days, being prepared is never a bad idea. I wanted to share a few things I recommend doing now to get ready for a major winter storm or extended outage. This list is not exhaustive, but it covers many of the basics that can help you stay safe and comfortable. 

Prepare Before the Storm Arrives 

• If you must travel, keep blankets in every vehicle. 
• Fuel up all vehicles. 
• If you have a generator, make sure it is fueled and that the gas cans you use to fill it are full. 
• Charge all electronics, power banks and backup batteries. 
• Make sure lanterns have fresh batteries or oil and that rechargeable lights are fully charged. 
• Freeze gallon jugs of water now. They can help keep freezer food frozen longer if the power goes out. 

Protect Your Home and Plumbing 

• If you have a water well, fill your master bathtub with water. Without power, the pump cannot refill toilet tanks. 
• Drip faucets about the size of a pencil lead. 
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate. 
• If you have a fireplace, it can provide much-needed warmth during an outage. 
• If you have a heat pump, do not switch the thermostat to emergency heat. That setting can increase energy use quickly and may not help during extended outages. 

Manage Food Safely During an Outage 

• Avoid opening the refrigerator unless necessary. 
• Avoid opening the freezer unless necessary. 
• If an outage lasts several days and outdoor temperatures remain cold, you can safely use the outdoors as an extra refrigeration source. 

Look Out for Others and Yourself 

• Check on neighbors, friends, family members and elderly loved ones. 
• Extended outages can be frustrating. Remember that utility crews work long hours in difficult conditions to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. 
• Take advantage of the slower pace. Spend time with your kids, call loved ones, read a book or enjoy a break from screens. 

Preparation now can ease stress later and help everyone weather the storm a little better. 

Crews at Oklahoma Electric Cooperative will continue monitoring conditions and responding as needed. Members can report outages and track restoration efforts at okcoop.org/outagecenter/

If you have additional winter weather tips, share them with friends, family and neighbors. Stay warm and stay safe.