Power outages reported across Mid-Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Thousands of people are without power across Mid-Missouri on Sunday morning as a winter storm moves across the region.
According to the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, more than 900 people in Cooper County are without power.
Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives spokesman Mike Sutherland said in an email that crews have been out addressing outages since the storm began.
"Our dedicated men and women are committed to fixing damaged infrastructure and returning power to our members as quickly as possible," said Sutherland in an email to ABC 17 News.
Just over 750 customers are without power in Cole County and more than 300 in Pettis and Osage counties.
Cooper County is less than 100 people away from hitting the map's red zone - meaning the county has 1,000+ member-consumers without power.
The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives reports less than 60 outages in Moniteau, Morgan, Maries, Pulaski and Saline counties.
"We encourage members to report outages to their electric cooperative," said Sutherland in an email. "Don’t assume someone else has reported it. The faster we know about an outage the faster we can respond."
He added that ice buildup and high winds can also cause outages.
"So it is important for people to stay clear of any downed lines and report them immediately," said Sutherland in an email.
In the case of a power outage, the CDC recommends having at least one of the following heat sources available to help keep warm.
Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and winter coats can help the body stay warm.
A gas log fireplace or an up-to-code fireplace with plenty of firewood at ready can help people through outages during colder months.
Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters can also warm homes.
The CDC also said to use battery-powered flashlights, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches to minimize the risk of fire.
"We understand the challenges it causes for families when the power is out, and while it is difficult to predict how long it will take to restore power, we are committed to getting power restored as fast as possible," said Sutherland in an email.
Cooperative members can get more information on statewide outages on the associations website.
