CLEVELAND, November 20, 2024, – The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Cuyahoga county from 3 p.m. to midnight with anticipated wind gusts of around 50 mph. With high wind gusts, power outages are a possibility. Cleveland Public Power will hold over crews today in anticipation of this adverse weather.
Cleveland Public Power (CPP) dispatchers monitor the National Radar system to keep crews abreast of the changes taking place in weather patterns.
Ammon Danielson, Commissioner of CPP, reports, “Our crews regularly maintain our system to minimize potential power interruptions. The forecast for this evening, and into the weekend, indicates we will have our first taste of severe winter weather. CPP crews are prepared to respond immediately as needed.”
Commissioner Danielson noted that CPP crews and contractors have worked on removing tree limbs throughout the system over the last six-nine months to alleviate some of these problems.
Public Utilities Director Martin Keane asked that customers call the Trouble Line. “We are asking our residents and customers to follow storm protocols of calling us at 216-664-3156 when experiencing an outage or to report a downed wire. “He also urged residents to listen carefully to the recorded message indicating known outage areas. “If you hear your community listed you can then hang up, we are aware that you are without power. If you do not hear your area, stay on the line to report your location, and if you need to report a downed wire.”
To prepare for adverse weather, CPP offers the following tips:
- Charge all devices in advance of the storm; this includes chargers for cell phones and computers
- Make sure you have flashlights and batteries
- If you have battery-operated radios, TVs, or other devices, ensure you have batteries for these on hand
- Stock up on bottled water, snacks, and pantry items that do not require electricity
- Make sure all prescriptions you need are on hand
- If you require oxygen, ensure you have a backup
- Locate all extra blankets
Purchase bags of ice or dry ice and place them in coolers to help keep food fresh in the event of an extended outage
Taking these precautions before adverse conditions will help you stay warm in your home in the event of an interruption of electric service.
If the power does go out, remember these tips on the shelf-life of food in your refrigerator and freezer:
- Food in the freezer will hold much longer. According to the USDA, “a full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.”
- If it appears the outage will last for a prolonged period, the USDA advises obtaining dry ice or block ice to keep the refrigerator cold. The USDA reports “fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic foot full freezer for 2 days.”
- Unless there is a major outage extending more than 48 hours, your food should be safe in the refrigerator as long as you leave the doors closed. After that point, you may want to begin to prepare and/or eat the food.
- To protect your electronic equipment in the event of a power outage, unplug your television, computer, and any appliances to prevent a power surge when power is restored.
If you find yourself outside during the storm, here are some tips to keep you safe if you encounter downed wires or tree limbs in the roadway:
- Downed power lines – Never touch, move or go near any downed or hanging lines. The first action should be to call 9-1-1 or your local utility. CPP’s Trouble Line can be reached by calling 216-664-3156.
- Do not put your feet in water where a downed line is laying
- Do not try to move tree limbs
- If you see someone who has come into contact with a downed line, do not touch them, again call 9-1-1
- If a line comes down on your car stay inside, roll down your window, and warn others to stay away. Call authorities or ask a passerby to call authorities. The only time you should exit a vehicle with a downed line on it is if it has caught fire. If the vehicle is on fire, open the door and jump with both feet together to avoid contact with the car. It is metal and you could receive a shock.
In the event of widespread outages, customers will also be able to confirm areas impacted by visiting https://www.cpp.org/Power-Outages/Outage-Map and you can follow updates and report outages on CPP’s social media sites @clepublicpower on Twitter and Instagram and ClevelandPublicPower on Facebook.