Temperatures are dangerously cold in the Richardson County area today. Falls City Utilities is asking that customers conserve energy both at home and at work to help mitigate the risk of potential power outages due to extreme cold weather and increased power demand.
Falls City Utility Superintendent, Ray Luhring, told the Journal that Customers are urged to lower their thermostats by three degrees, unplug unnecessary appliances, close fireplace dampers, and refrain from large appliance use as much as possible.
“Thank you to all of our customers for your cooperation, it is greatly appreciated,” said Luhring.
OPPD disconnected electrical service this morning and Falls City is generating 100 percent of the cities electrical load until further notice.
Ways to conserve energy include: Turn off and unplug appliances you’re not using. Small appliances still drain your electricity even if they’re not being used. Turn off lights in rooms you’re not using. Closing blinds and curtains to keep heat in. Closing off rooms to avoid wasting heat. Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electric consuming equipment as much as possible. Stuffing towels in cracks under doors. Avoiding using large appliances such as ovens, washing machines, and dishwashers.
If you lose power wear lawyers of loose fitting, warm clothing, especially warm socks and gloves if you have them Eat and drink food to provide energy to warm your body and avoid alcohol and caffeine. If you have candles, lighting them can act as a heat source, especially in an enclosed space. Don’t rely on them and remember to practice good fire safety. Don’t leave lit candles alone in a room. Keep a close eye on any open flame. Do not under any circumstance bring a generator inside. They should always remain at least 30 feet from your home. Don’t use your stove or oven for heat, this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Know the signs of hypothermia. Confusion, difficulty speaking, shivering, sleepiness and stiff muscles are the signs of hypothermia in adults. Bright red skin and low energy are the signs of hypothermia in babies according to the CDC. If you’re worried someone in your home has hypothermia, seek medical attention and warm them with blankets.
Don’t forget to keep your pets warm. Keep their time outdoors brief. Check their paws for chemicals such as ice melt. If they’re outdoor animals, consider bringing them indoors during this cold spell
UPDATED: 3:30 PM, Tuesday, Feb. 16. FC Utility Department posted the following notice.
Falls City Customers:
OPPD just informed Falls City Management that they are taking over 100% of our electrical load. We urge everyone to conserve as much electricity as possible for the next 24 hours.
Thank you to our partners who stepped up to generate for their own business, businesses who shut down for the day and everyone else that did their part in keeping Falls City from having rolling blackouts.
