ICE STORM Preparation Tips

[billm_usa1]

We here in indy are going to be hit thsi afternoon and tomorrow with a big ice storm and they're predicting 7 day of electricity outage.
Since you guys in the Louisville area just went thru this what advice do you have?
What did you do right ?
What did you do wrong ?
What do you wish you'd have done ?

thanks

[Trophyhunter8]

get as much gas as you can

get a generator if you don't have one

wood stoves are great

go on vacation now if you can

[ElectricSLT]

Trophyhunter nailed it - I would add some battery powered lights (and extra batteries) for use while fueling or changing oil in generator. I always use stabilized gas for my generator-nothing worse than generator that won't start in middle of storm.
Get more extension cords than you think you need.
You need to have the generator protected from rain/ice/snow but outside-away from doors and windows-exhaust can kill you.
Be sure you do not backfeed current from generator into power company system-you don't want to hurt those that are trying to resore your service.
You may want to plug a light into the house wiring so you know when power is restored.

Don't wait to buy a generator or a chainsaw after it hits-they get hard to find and prices get ridiculous.

Good luck - I hope it misses you all!

[bassin_bug]

I would also suggest a weather radio, plenty of canned food and snacks, a small propane camping stove like the ones Walmart sells (raise the kitchen window about an inch while using it and you will be safe), bottled water (if the power fails the city pumps may or may not go down). FEMA recommends 1 gal. per day per person. Prepare a GOOD first aid kit and be sure to add a couple of Ace bandages just in case someone falls. Make sure everyone has plenty of their prescription medications and some painkillers on hand. You will need extra quilts and blankets to stay warm.

I went through a 6-week power outage from an ice and snow storm and, believe me, the boredom, and having to stay inside, unable to have any quiet time will snap your last nerve. I had to guard my mouth with all diligence to keep harsh words from injuring those I loved most. Find something to do for recreation, work on a hobby, read, play games, meditate, and get in some prayer time.

Stay safe and God bless.

[RoadToad]

Another good idea if you live in an area prone to power outages is to put your valuable electronics on a good UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). You can get the APC home model for around $100. I've got all my computer equipment and my entertainment center on them, and I'm pretty confident they've paid for themselves. Don't trust those little power-strip "surge suppressors," those are a joke.

[riverrat12]

All very good advice the only thing that I can add is it's pretty simple to hook up your hot water heater to the generator..I think three screws on the top of the water heater and a few wire nuts and your in good shape....my better half was in alot better mood being able to take a hot shower....and don't forget to check the oil in your generater on a regular basis....Good luck, Chuck

[Catfish Bob]

It is too late but after the ice storm we had, I cut down every tree that was capable of causing any damage to house or garage, just encase we get another one.

[zx150]

Beer lots and lots of beer and some food.

[yyes228]

Ice Storm Preparation is not as easy as it seems to be.Always keep track of news and weather forecast.Search for places that are safe from any kind of storm.

[bassin_bug]

This is hilarious. It's July 5, 2011, and someone pulled this thread out of the archives, dusted it off and..........are you trying to cool us off?!!!

It's 102 degrees in South Alabama and the only ice I know about is in the ice maker and it's working overtime.

Mr. Weatherman, when will we be getting an ice storm? I'm already in a meltdown and still have some yard work to do. Could you please send us a thunderstorm with plenty of rain to break up this drought?

The governor has placed the entire state under a "no burn" order with threats of heavy fines if we burn trash. Sweetie Pie is not listening; he's still burning cigarettes right under his nose. Can I make him pay the $1,000 fine to me?

[RoadToad]

I thought it was pretty funny too. Also interesting that this is yyes's one and only post, ever.

[elnutsmalljaws]

Ice Storm Preparation is not as easy as it seems to be.Always keep track of news and weather forecast.Search for places that are safe from any kind of storm.

I am no weatherman but I would say, IN JULY, every state in the continental United States of America is safe from any kind of storm. Maybe in a couple of years with all this Global Freezing we will have to search for places in July to avoid such storms but for the next couple of weeks we are safe