Tips on How to Weather the Harsh Weather

The winter storm forecasted to hit Indiana this evening is expected to be a bad one. To help you prepare and stay safe, local utility companies, health experts and governments are offering tips to make sure you weather the weather!

Dr. Amit Arwindekar, medical director for UnitedHealthcare, discussed how holiday travelers (including those already vulnerable with health challenges) can stay as safe and healthy as possible during upcoming travel:

Anticipate potential health issues. Packing a portable health kit with may prove helpful, so consider including items such as anti-inflammatory pain relievers, first-aid supplies, earplugs and motion-sickness remedies. If traveling in a car during extreme cold, pack blankets and bottles of water in case of emergency. Also, consider a wellness checkup with a primary care doctor before departure to talk about travel plans.

Refill medications. Before any trip, it is a good idea to refill medications and pack extra doses in case of travel delays. When traveling by airplane, always pack medication in carry-on luggage to help ensure access. For international travel, be sure to check prescription drug restrictions for each country to help avoid the risk of medications being confiscated.

Dress for cold weather. Heat loss really depends on what body part is exposed. It’s still recommended to wear a hat when outdoors, because prolonged exposure to cold temperatures may lead to frostbite or hypothermia. To help avoid the risk of your core body temperature dropping below 95 degrees, be sure to wear:

• A hat
• A scarf or mask that covers your face and mouth
• A water-resistant coat
• Mittens or gloves
• Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
• Water resistant boots

Stay active. Exercise is a great choice for helping to reduce stress and improve mood. Incorporating physical activity as strategy for staying active. Using a fitness app may also help, providing access to thousands of workouts, from high-intensity interval training to yoga, and meditation.

Know when to not go. We love our friends and family and want to be with them during the holidays. But if the temperatures become dangerously cold or the roads impassable, consider delaying your travel a just a few days until the travel risks subside. A difficult decision, no doubt. But it may be something to consider.

Duke Energy is also monitoring and preparing for the storm, which is expected to cause power outages.  Snow on its own typically has little to no impact on the electric system. However, high winds may bring down trees, limbs and power lines, while below-freezing temperatures result in increased stress on the power grid.

These types of winter storms can also create hazardous driving conditions, which could impede Duke Energy workers’ ability to assess storm damage and restore power. Crews are prepared and will work as quickly as possible to restore power, however, expected high winds will also restrict some restoration efforts.

“As Duke Energy meteorologists are tracking this significant winter weather event, crews are preparing to restore power as safely and quickly as possible,” said Anthony Brown, Midwest Storm Director, Duke Energy. “Our top priority is to keep our customers informed and urge them to prepare in advance.”

Customers are encouraged to maintain a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to a safe, alternative location in case an extended power outage occurs, or evacuation is required.

Crews will work diligently to restore power in impacted communities as quickly as possible. As restoration begins, the first priority is to repair large power lines and other infrastructure that will return power to the greatest number of customers as safely, quickly and efficiently as possible. Crews then can work on repairs affecting individual neighborhoods and homes.

Duke is encouraging customers to have a plan in place to respond to an extended power outage after severe weather. Below are some tips:

Before the storm:

• Create (or update) an emergency supply kit to save valuable time later. The kit should include everything an individual or family would need, especially medicines, water, nonperishable foods and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm hits.
• Keep a portable radio or TV or a NOAA weather radio on hand to monitor weather forecasts and important information from state and local officials.
• Charge cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of storms to stay connected to important safety and response information. Consider purchasing portable chargers and make sure they are fully charged as well.

After the storm:

• Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized, as well as trees, limbs or anything in contact with lines.
• If a power line falls across a car that you are in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
  • The quickest way for customers in Indiana to report power outages is by calling 1 (800) 343-3525.
  • Receive status updates on a power outage affecting you by texting REG to 57801, or sign-up online at duke-energy.com/outagealerts

Generator Safety:

• Always operate a generator in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions. Do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator.
• To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, never use a generator indoors or in attached garages.
• Only operate the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area away from air intakes into the home.
• To avoid electrocution, plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load.
• If connecting into the house wiring is necessary on a temporary basis, homes should have a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.
• Additional storm tips as well as current outage information is located on duke-energy.com/storm under “Outage and Storm Information.”