IDEAS FOR HOW TO PREPARE FOR A COLD-WEATHER CRISIS

A cold-weather crisis can occur at any time without much warning.

While United’s employees will do everything they can to prevent outages and restore power to our members as quickly as safely possible, members should do their part to prepare. Doing so can relieve anxiety and even save lives.

The most important point to remember when experiencing a power outage is to immediately report the problem to United. Also, always stay away from downed power lines and do not attempt to remove debris tangled in power lines.

Avoid frostbite and hypothermia by planning for extreme cold before it arrives. Don't get caught unprepared. Make checking the forecast part of your regular routine so you'll know when to expect cold weather. If possible, adjust your schedule to avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day (typically the early morning). Try to find a warm spot for your children while waiting for the school bus outside. If you have pets or farm animals, make sure they have plenty of food and water and are not overly exposed to extreme cold. Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze. Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas during extreme cold situations. Dress for the outdoors even if you don’t think you’ll be outside much.

Create a Disaster Supply Kit for Your Home

  • Battery-operated or hand-crank radio
  • Cell phones with battery back-ups
  • Flashlights
  • Whistle
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Duct tape, plastic sheeting and dust masks
  • Prescription medications
  • Several gallons of water (at least one gallon per person per day)
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable, ready-to-eat food (canned fruits, vegetables and meats, dry cereal, energy snacks, prepared soups, etc.)
  • Manual can opener
  • A fully-stocked first aid kit (including pain relievers and essential prescription drugs)
  • Tools (nails, screws, pliers, screwdriver, hammer, etc.)
  • Trash bags and plastic containers
  • Disinfectant soap
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Toilet paper, baby wipes and paper towels
  • Blankets
  • Important family documents (including insurance policies and financial and government-issued documents)
  • Inventory list of household items
  • Blankets or sleeping bags

Other Ideas for Disaster Readiness

  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Glasses, and/or contact lens and lens solution
  • Pet food and water for pets
  • Cash/travelers checks
  • Change of clothing appropriate for climate conditions and sturdy shoes
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
  • Paper and pencil/pen
  • Gas-powered generator

Prepare Your Vehicle for Cold Weather

  • Jumper cables are a must. Flares or reflective triangle are great extras.
  • Flashlights with fresh batteries.
  • First-Aid Kit. Always bring a bag with any essential medications.
  • If you have a baby or family member with special needs, pack diapers and any special formula or food.
  • Stock non-perishable food such as canned food and a can opener, dry cereal and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars.
  • Have at least one gallon of water per person a day for at least three days.
  • Make up a basic toolkit with pliers, wrench, screwdriver etc.
  • If you have pets in the car, bring food and water for them also.
  • Cat litter or sand offer better tire traction on snow or ice.
  • Take a shovel to dig out of the snow.
  • Even if you usually park in a garage, have an ice scraper in the car.
  • Make sure you dress for the weather in warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold.
  • Pack extra warmers for body, hands, feet.
  • Blankets or sleeping bags are a good idea if traveling on rural roads.
  • Bring a fully charged cell phone and a spare charger in your car as well.

Before the Storm Hits

  • Be prepared for the possibility of a prolonged outage due to power line and electric equipment damage.
  • During an outage, switch off lights and appliances to prevent overloading circuits and damaging appliances when power is restored.
  • Leave one lamp or switch on as a signal for when your power returns.
  • Be sure to tune into your local media if you suspect severe weather is brewing.