Experts say prepare for power outages during high winds
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The National Weather Service recommends people prepare for possible power outages when dealing with high winds such as those measured in Mid-Missouri on Friday.
Matt Beitscher, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service forecast office in St. Louis, said the most important thing is to stay away from downed power lines.
"They are incredibly dangerous, almost always there is still electricity running through those power cords and it can be deadly," he said.
A New Year's ice storm that hit Mid-Missouri downed power lines around the area, taking power out to the entire city of Centralia at one point as transformers exploded with bright electric flashes. On Friday, the National Weather Service recorded wind gusts as high as 32 mph at Columbia Regional Airport.
If your power does go out and people are having trouble staying warm, Beitscher said close your blinds and curtains around the house to keep the heat in. He also said closing unused rooms in the house can help avoid wasting heat.
"Maybe even put towels under the cracks of the doors to keep the heat in the areas where you are actually living," he said.
Cellphones or other devices should be charged in case of an emergency or power outage. Electronic devices with data plans can provide access to information even after the power goes out.
"That goes back to making sure you are aware of the weather, if you don't know the weather is going to be bad you won't know to charge the batteries," Beitscher said.
Other recommendations for power outages:
- Make sure fridge and freezer doors are closed
- Wear multiple layers during winter
- Keep generators outside when running
The National Weather Service hopes people take wind speed into account when planning for storms. Wind can knock down a branch or a tree that could cause a power outage.
"Anytime weather is a concern, if it's widespread severe weather or winter weather, we encourages folks to take preparedness actions," Beitscher said.
