Electric companies preparing for outages as snowstorm approaches

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Utility companies are telling their customers to be ready for potential power outages ahead of a major winter storm that could dump more than a foot of snow on Central Missouri.

Boone Electric Cooperative told its members Monday via social media to have their winter weather kit ready in case of a power outage, with items such as battery-powered radios and flashlights, blankets, water and food on hand.

Boone Electric posted tips on what to do after an auto accident involving a utility pole or a down-powered line on its Twitter account, as well.

‘We prepare knowing how were going to tackle the situations as they pop up” Communication specialist for Boone Electric Cooperative, Meredith Hoenes said.

A massive winter storm is expected to start Tuesday with rain before changing to snow overnight. Mid-Missouri is under a winter storm warning, with up to 14 inches of snow possible in the area before the storm ends Thursday. The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather team has issued a Weather Alert Day ahead of the storm.

Ameren Missouri said Tuesday that its teams are very busy preparing for the snowstorm.

"We are currently placing crews on standby and will deploy them to any areas sustaining outages, once it's safe for our crews to travel," the utility said. "We also position storm trailers that are packed with restoration equipment in areas that could be impacted, which saves our crews time.

The City of Columbia said in a news release Monday that its utility department will have additional crews on standby for the storm.

The city also said strong winds and the weight of the snow and ice on power lines may cause sporadic power outages. "Residents are encouraged to closely monitor the forecast and changing road conditions throughout the mid-Missouri area. Residents may want to run errands and shop for groceries early to avoid travel during inclement weather," the city said.

The American Red Cross provides tips on how you can get ready for major storms:

• Create a support network.
• Stay connected and alert.
• Stock food and water. 
• Know and plan for your personal and medical electrical needs.
• Plan for heating or cooling your home
• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. 
• Plan for surge protection.
• Plan how to decide to stay or go.

Hoenes also says she typically receives frantic phone calls from customers concerned about not having power with a full fridge of food.

“If it's something you're going to be using a lot of, if you think about it you can go ahead and put your milk in the snow your orange juice in the snow to keep that refrigeration if your opening it more than once… move it to a cooler outside”. Hoenes said.