January 15, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIGID WEATHER, POWER OUTAGES LEAD TO PROBLEMS
DECATUR - Today’s extreme weather conditions means that residents should be diligent in making sure that they have necessary supplies available in the event that power outages or other difficulties limit our ability to travel or access necessary provisions.
The City has been informed that power was lost to about 885 homes in the 62526 zip code, many of which are located in and around the intersection of Main and Pershing Road. Macon County Emergency Management Agency is on alert, working with the American Red Cross to prepare for the possibility of sheltering and First Call For Help which is now checking the welfare of senior residents in the area of the outage.
The City has placed the Decatur Public Transit System on standby to provide transportation to shelters in the event that such assistance is needed. We have been told that power is now being restored, but it has to be restored in increments so as not to overload the gas power system.
Today’s frigid weather should serve as a reminder that we need to be prepared for winter emergency situations which can create unexpected power outages and make travel difficult, if not impossible. In preparation residents should have:
- At least a three-day supply of food that won’t spoil
- One gallon of water per person, per day
- A battery-powered radio
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A first-aid kit
- An extra supply of prescription or over-the-counter medicines
- A plan for those with special needs who may need to stay in your home because they lost utilities from a storm. Those with special needs could include the elderly, people with disabilities and the medically frail.
We are also encouraging residents to keep an eye on friends, relatives or neighbors, especially seniors, who might have a more difficult time in this weather. Residents should be aware that freezing water pipes can also become a problem in this kind of weather and there are certain steps that people can take to try and avoid having a pipe freeze and break.
- Vulnerable pipes that are accessible can be fitted with insulation.
- Fill gaps that expose pipes to cold air. In some instances holes or cracks which allow cable, telephone or other lines into the house can allow cold air into the house.
- Keep cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate around pipes.
- Letting a faucet drip during extreme cold weather can prevent a pipe from bursting. It's. A drip can provide relief from the excessive pressure that builds between the faucet and the ice blockage when freezing occurs. A dripping faucet wastes some water, so only pipes vulnerable to freezing (ones that run through an unheated or unprotected space) should be left with the water flowing. The drip can be very slight.
For more information contact Billy Tyus at 424-2753 or Phil Anello, Macon County EMA Coordinator, at 424-1327.