On the heels of recent winter storms, the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (IAEC) is encouraging Iowans to take proactive steps to stay safe and prepared before the next storm strikes. With snow, ice, and high winds posing risks to power lines and equipment, electric co-ops across the state are sharing safety tips with their local communities.
Electric cooperatives serve Iowa’s most rural and weather-exposed areas, and their crews work around the clock to restore power when storms strike. However, co-op leaders emphasize that preparation before the storm is key to minimizing risk and discomfort. They’re reminding Iowans to assemble emergency kits with flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, and necessary medications.
“Downed power lines are one of the most serious hazards during winter weather events. We urge everyone to stay far away from any fallen lines and report them immediately,” said Ryan Craig, President and CEO of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative. “You should never attempt to move a power line or drive over one, as even a downed line can be energized and deadly.”
If your power goes out, make sure to contact your local electric utility to report the outage. Follow your local electric co-op on social media for outage updates and view a statewide map of electric cooperative power outages at www.iowarec.org/outages.
In addition to storm safety, electric co-ops are providing energy efficiency tips to help Iowans manage higher heating costs. Simple actions, such as sealing drafts around windows and doors, maintaining furnaces, and turning down the thermostat a few degrees can make a big difference in both comfort and monthly bills.
