When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be a challenge to stay safe and warm. Snow and ice are an inevitable part of the winter season. They can lead to downed power lines and outages. During a power outage, our crews will continue to work as safely and quickly as possible to restore your power. Victory Electric cares about your safety and we want you to be prepared. The following tips can keep you safe and warm if you find yourself in the dark after a winter storm:

• When an outage occurs, it usually means power lines are down. It is best not to travel during winter storms, but if you must, bring a survival kit along, and do not travel alone. If you encounter downed lines, always assume they are live. Stay as far away from the downed lines as possible, and report the situation to Victory Electric at 620-227-2139. Avoid contact with overhead lines during cleanup and other activities.
• In the event of an outage, an alternate heating source — such as a fireplace, propane space heater, or wood stove — may be used with extreme caution.
• Plan to stay in the area of your home where the alternate heat source is located.
• Fuel and wood-burning heating sources should be vented. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.
• Make sure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are in proper working order.
• Do not use a gas-powered oven for heating. A gas oven may go out or burn inefficiently, potentially leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Do not use a gas or charcoal grill inside the home. Do not use charcoal briquettes in the fireplace.
• If you use a portable generator to power a heating source, be sure the generator is located outside your house for proper ventilation. Do not use a generator in an attached garage. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for operating the generator.
• Take special care not to overload a generator. If it is necessary to use an extension cord, use appropriately sized extension cords to carry the electric load. Make sure the cords have a grounded, three-pronged plug and are in good condition. Never use a plug that is frayed or pinched.
• Never run cords under rugs or carpets.
• Never connect generators to power lines. The reverse flow of electricity can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, and planning ahead can often be the difference between life and death. Victory Electric is ready for what Mother Nature has in store, and we want you to be ready, too.