Improper use of generators, heaters can be extremely dangerous FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 2, 2014) - With a winter storm bearing down on Kentucky today, the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) is urging residents who lose power to exercise caution when using portable generators or clearing storm debris.
The National Weather Service is forecasting ice accumulations of more than half an inch in parts of Kentucky, making this the worst ice event since January 2009. Strong winds tonight are expected to put further strain on ice-coated trees and power lines.
The PSC is reminding Kentucky residents to stay away from all downed lines. Downed lines should be reported to the local utility company. If the lines are sparking, on fire or otherwise creating an emergency, call 911.
Customers who lose power should follow proper safety precautions if they use portable generators or heating devices, PSC Chairman David Armstrong said.
"Fortunately, this storm is forecast to be much less severe than in the one in 2009," Armstrong said. "Nevertheless, it has the potential to cause some serious power outages.
"As we have learned from previous storms, improper use of portable generators can be extremely dangerous," he said. "Many Kentuckians have lost their lives, and many others have been hospitalized, as the result of being poisoned by carbon monoxide emitted by portable generators that were not used correctly."
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning or fire hazards:
The PSC also is reminding electric customers who use a portable generator of electric safety guidelines that will protect them and those working to restore power. Keys to safe operation of generators include:
Backfeeding poses a severe danger to workers attempting to restore electrical service. They can be severely injured or killed by power flowing back into lines which they assume are not carrying electricity. Also, if the line to your home or business becomes grounded, backfeeding can permanently damage your generator.
Customers who lose power should contact their utility company immediately. Most utilities in Kentucky have systems that use customer reports to help identify the location of the problem and determine what repairs are needed.
"It is important that every customer call to report an outage," Armstrong said. "But repeated calls simply tie up the utility's phone system. Call at once, but call only once."
Customers who lose power also should check electric connections and meters for damage. Damaged connections or meters must be repaired before power can be restored to a home or business.
"It is critical that damaged connections be repaired by a qualified professional and inspected before power is restored," PSC Chairman Armstrong said. "In past outages, fires and severe damage have been caused by damaged or improperly repaired service connections."
Repairing a service connection or meter base is the responsibility of the individual customer. The meter base is the square or rectangular box on which the meter itself is mounted. It belongs to the property owner. The meter itself - the circular, glass-enclosed portion that attaches to the meter base - is the property of the utility company.
Customers with damaged connections or meters should take the following steps:
Residents SHOULD NOT attempt to remove any branches, limbs or trees that have fallen across service connections or other utility lines. Notify the utility to arrange for the debris to be removed.
"We know that the very cold weather makes these utility disruptions particularly unpleasant and dangerous," Armstrong said. "We urge people to be patient and to take proper precautions to protect their health and safety while they wait for power to be restored."
The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Energy and Environment Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in Kentucky and has approximately 90 employees.
-30-
FOR STORM OUTAGE UPDATES, FOLLOW THE PSC ON TWITTER @KYPSC[1] Article source: http://psc.ky.gov/agencies/psc/press/032014/0302_r01.PDF[2] Tags: #emergency management, #harrisonema.com, #news, #public safety
=> 1: http://twitter.com/KYPSC | 2: http://psc.ky.gov/agencies/psc/press/032014/0302_r01.PDF
[…] “PSC Urges Caution During Winter Storm” was originally published on J. Palmer […]
=> 🔙 Previous Page This content has been proxied by September (3851b).Proxy Information
text/gemini