Tips for how to prepare yourself for snow and icy conditions

Snowy days can create a winter wonderland, but heavy ice and high winds can wreak havoc on roads and power lines.

That’s why North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are working long before the storm arrives to ensure outages and restoration time are minimized. Throughout the year, we maintain clear rights-of-way, trimming trees and vegetation along power line corridors that could create outages and hinder restoration efforts. Should winter weather become an imminent threat, electric co-op power restoration crews stand ready to restore any outages as soon as conditions are safe.

Take some time to make sure you’re also prepared when winter weather strikes, using these resources as a guide. Contact your local electric cooperative with any winter storm-related questions not answered here.

Before

Driving in a Winter Wonderland

If you have to get on the road, follow these safety tips

Making a Disaster Supply Kit

Recommendations from the American Red Cross

Food Safety During a Power Outage

Before, during and after your power goes out

During

  • Stay tuned to your cooperative and local news sources for information about power outages, weather conditions and safety messages.
  • It’s tempting to stay indoors when the snow begins to fall, but it’s best to get ahead of the shoveling as it’s happening. Get out periodically to shovel during the storm to avoid a huge task once it’s settled. 
  • Avoid driving if possible, and practice moderate acceleration and deceleration if you do. 

Should a power outage occur:

  • Report the outage to your electric cooperative
  • If you use candles, don’t leave them unattended and keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials. Make sure to keep children away from open flames.
  • Turn off your heating system, as well as electric range, to avoid straining the grid when service is restored.
  • Unplug sensitive electronic appliances such as TVs, DVRs, microwave ovens and computers — this will protect your appliances against power fluctuations that can occur when power is restored.
  • After power is restored, wait five to 10 minutes before turning on appliances and heating systems.

—Source: Ready.gov

After

Stay Safe Around Downed Power Lines

Assume any downed line is energized and follow these tips

How Power is Restored After a Storm

Steps to getting co-op members back online

How to Operate a Portable Generator Safely

Use the correct size generator and run it safely