Electric companies prepare for icy weather

Power outages are a possibility because of the icy weather mid-Missouri is expected to have Thursday night through Saturday.

Connie Kaprowicz, spokesperson for Columbia Power and Light, said they are getting prepared by trimming trees around power lines and getting their trucks fueled and stocked up on equipment like chainsaws and cross arms.

Kaprowicz said they will not determine how many crews will be working through the weekend until they know for sure if the weather will be bad. She said that they don’t want to pay for crews to work if it isn’t necessary.

Kaprowicz gave suggestions for customers if the power does go out. She said people should have lights, extra batteries, tools, a first aid kit, a generator, food that doesn’t need electricity to cook or doesn’t go bad, and water.

Staff at Boone Electric Cooperative, a utility provider in Boone County, were in meetings all day Wednesday to talk about how they will prepare for the icy weather that is expected.

Westlake Ace Hardware stores are stocked up on ice melt and other tools that help with combating icy weather.

Joe Clemens, assistant manager at Ace Hardware on Business Loop 70 East, said that they have set up a display with different items that are useful when someone is stuck in their car because of icy road conditions. He said people should buy jumper cables, a portable backup battery phone charger, blankets, fire extinguisher and a can of flat-tire fixer to keep in the car.