Bluebonnet Prepares for Winter Weather

January 15, 2007

(GIDDINGS, TEXAS) Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members may experience electric power outages as a result of freezing rain forecasted for Monday and Tuesday. Consumers in the fourteen counties served
by Bluebonnet are encouraged to consider electric safety during and after the storm. If you plan to use a portable backup generator for temporary electric power, follow the manufacturer instructions to protect you and your family. DO NOT connect the generator to the house wiring unless you have had a qualified electrician hook up the standby electrical system, which includes the installation of a transfer switch to isolate the generator from the electric utility service. Without the transfer switch, the power from the generator will back feed through the transformer and raise the voltage to a level that can easily kill a worker trying to restore the power down the line. In addition, when the power is restored, it may cause an electrical fire and/or destroy the generator. Assume that any downed power line is "live." If power lines are lying on the ground or dangling near the ground, do not touch the lines. Notify Bluebonnet at 800-949-4414 or local law enforcement authorities as soon as possible. Do not attempt to move or repair the power lines. If you can, stay nearby to warn others away from the downed line. If you're inside a car in contact with a downed line, stay put! You can safely use a cellular phone to call for help. Never drive across a downed power line. If someone is shocked by contact with a downed line, don't touch the person. Use a dry plastic or wooden object, such as broom handle, to try to separate the victim from the power source. Call 911 for help immediately. If you have appliances or equipment exposed to water, never assume they are safe to use after they have dried. Before you try to use any electrical appliance that has been exposed to water, take it to a qualified service technician. The item may be fine, it may need reconditioning, or it might require replacement. With severe weather of this magnitude, phone lines can get very busy. Rest assured that, if the freezing rain hits this area, Bluebonnet will have crews prepared to restore co-op members' electric service as quickly as possible.