Utility companies are taking precautions ahead of the winter storm traveling through the area.
Owensboro Municipal Utilities Public Relations and Communications Manager Sonya Dixon said that the company has crews on standby and prepared to handle all emergency situations.
Dixon warns all community members that if they see a downed electrical wire to let OMU staff handle it.
In addition to the usual crews, tree and line contractors are at the ready, according to Dixon. The utility plans to update the community through its Facebook page throughout the day as needed.
They encourage all users to utilize the text alert feature to see updates should data or wi-fi providers experience shortages.
Big Rivers Electric Corporation said they are also prepared for any potential impacts to the power system. Crews readied trucks, tools and mobile substations on Wednesday and made plans to keep equipment from freezing.
Energy control operators and transmission teams were on-site overnight waiting for the storm’s arrival.
Atmos is similarly monitoring the stages of the storm as it progresses. To prepare for the storm, they offer a few tips on conserving energy and keeping warm:
- Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home.
- Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather-proof; however, to ensure that the meter keeps working smoothly, remove snow and ice from natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Never kick or chip snow and ice away with a hard object.
- Safely remove snow from vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment. Blocked vents for dryers and other gas appliances can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
- Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave faucets running at a trickle, leave cabinet doors open, and close all doors and windows to keep heat inside.
- If you think you smell gas, act fast! Leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number, 866.322.8667: https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/recognizing-leak
- These tips and more are available on our Weather Safety page.
