MARCH 2012 PLAY IT SAFE
PAGE 7
Storms can be devastating—take steps to prepare and be safe. PHOTO/FEMA. Prepare now for spring storms
BY GUY DALE coordinator of safety & loss control
B
elieve it or not, lightning from thunderstorms kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. That statistic comes
from the American Red Cross, and they should know.
With that fact in mind, as spring arrives please make sure you’re prepared to handle storms that come with the changing season. These tips from the Red Cross will help protect you and your loved ones when bad weather strikes.
Stay away from downed power lines. Electricity could still be flowing through them. Report them to Choctaw Electric Cooperative at 800-780-6486 immediately, or call 911.
Hear thunder? Head inside. If you can hear it, you could be in danger from lightning. Stay indoors at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder—a recommendation from the National Weather Service. If you’re outside and can’t seek shelter indoors, avoid high ground, water, tall isolated trees, and metal objects like bleachers or fences.
Unplug your electronics. During the storm, avoid using electrical items and telephones, which can carry power surges. Keep a
battery-powered TV or radio on hand for weather updates.
Delay outdoor activities. If conditions are right for a thunderstorm, postpone the baseball game and stay inside. Remember, it doesn’t have to be raining for lightning to strike.
Assemble an emergency preparedness kit with the following items:
Clean water. One gallon per person, per day should suffice. Non-perishable food; Flashlight;
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (preferably a NOAA weather radio) and extra batteries; First-aid kit;
Seven-day medicine supply;
Copies of personal documents; Cell phone with chargers; Emergency contact information; and Cash.
Finally, If you lose power during a storm and rely on a generator for emergency power, please let Choctaw Electric know.
Generators that aren’t hooked up properly can “back feed” electricity onto the lines and electrocute co-op linemen who may be working near you. Keeping us informed will ensure your safety—and that of our crews.
Schedule a safety class or free CPR course for your business, classroom or community group! Guy Dale and Brad Kendrick offer CPR training to the community at no charge. Please contact Guy Dale to schedule a free presentation today. To reach him, please call 800-780-6486, ext. 227. For more safety tips, please visit
www.choctawelectric.coop.
Safe shelter— as close as your own backyard. An in-ground storm shelt
from Choctaw Electric protects you from the worst kind of Oklahoma weather—tornadoes.
f Ch
ound storm shelter l
With spring storm season upon us, now is the time to visit with Choctaw Electric about installing a safe, durable, and dry in-ground storm shelter.
To help with purchase price and installation costs, CEC offers low interest storm shelter financing with easy monthly payments that may be extended to six years.
Call CEC today for details. 800-780-6486
www.choctawelectric.coop
CEC
Ask about CEC’s storm shelter financing— payback options of up to six years available!
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