LAWRENCE COUNTY – There are currently 54 residents in Lawrence County experiencing power outages in the area of Leatherwood Road and Us 50 East.
Duke Energy is currently working through the issue and is expected to have power back to these customers by 5:00 p.m.
Winter storms can bring out power outages due to falling trees and powerlines, it is important to know how you can be safe if the power goes out at your home. The Weather Channel shared these tips for what to do when your power goes out:
- Make sure the outage goes beyond your home by checking to see if your neighbors have lights on. Then report the outage to your electric company.
- Keep doors and windows closed, put towels in front of any drafts.
- Layer your clothes to stay warm, put on a hat, cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs, and put on mittens (they’re better than gloves). Huddle under extra blankets.
- Know the signs of frostbite — loss of feeling and color in fingers, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose — and call 911 if someone has these symptoms.
- Know the signs of hypothermia — uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, drowsiness — and call 911 if someone shows these symptoms.
- Don’t open your refrigerator or freezer unless necessary. Food can stay frozen for 24-36 hours. Don’t eat any food if the bag of ice in your refrigerator melts. You can use snowdrifts as a makeshift freezer, but be aware of attracting animals.
- Listen to the news — don’t go outside if conditions are unsafe.
- Preserve your phone battery and opt to text instead of call to keep your phone lines open.
- Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid a damaging power surge when the power comes on.
- Leave one lamp on so you’ll easily know when the power comes back.
- Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from any window or door.
- Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
- If you use candles to light the room, never leave them unattended and keep them away from pets and children.
In the event of evacuation:
- Turn off the main breaker, circuit breaker panel, or power supply box.
- Turn off the water main, open all taps and drain the water tank.
- If you have a gas heater, turn out the pilot light.
- Unhook the washing machine hoses.
For updates to power outages in your area, you can visit the Duke Energy outage map.
