VEC preparing for weekend ice storm

Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is gearing up in preparation for an ice storm that is predicted to hit Northern Vermont’ on Saturday’ afternoon and continuing into’ Sunday. According to the National Weather Service, Vermont may see a mixture of snow, sleet, or ice. So far, predictions indicate that areas along the Champlain Valley and Northeast Kingdom could be the hardest hit.’ ‘ ‘
Depending on how the storm develops, a combination of precipitation and freezing temperatures could cause ice build-up on trees and power lines. When ice becomes about half an inch thick, tree limbs break and power lines sag, and outages can be extensive.
‘We are very concerned that this has the potential to be a severe storm that could seriously impact VEC’s service territory,’ said Liz Gamache, VEC spokesperson. ‘We encourage members to prepare for possible multi-day outages.’
VEC is preparing for the possibility of power outages and is securing resources. ‘We will keep members informed through VEC’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and media announcements,’ said Gamache.
VEC offers the following safety advice:
‘·’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ Before outages occur, charge all cellphones. If you have a landline phone, make sure that it’s hard-wired and does not rely on electricity.
‘·’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ Fill a bathtub with water before you lose service so the water can be used to flush toilets when the power is out. PREVENT UNSUPERVISED BATHROOM ACCESS TO CHILDREN.
‘·’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ Treat any downed line as if it is live.’ Report the line to your electric utility and fire department, stay at least 50 feet away from the line, and keep children and pets away.
‘·’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ If power goes out, turn off all electrical appliances except one light so you’ll know when service returns.’ Then, turn equipment back on slowly.
‘·’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ If using a generator, read and follow the owner’s manual before starting it.’ Never operate a generator inside any structure or near a structure.’ Use a transfer switch to ensure electricity is not accidentally fed onto a line where line crews must work.
‘·’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ Keep freezers and refrigerators closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage.
‘·’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ Never use grills inside garages, sheds or other buildings, as the fumes can be poisonous.
‘·’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ For other tips on planning for a winter storm, visit Vermont Emergency Management’s website at’ http://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness/hazards/winter’
VEC members may report outages by calling’ 1-800-832-2667. For up-to-date outage information, please visit our website at’ www.vermontelectric.coop/outage.