The next five days are expected to bring prolonged, extremely hazardous cold temperatures to McKenzie Electric service territory.
The coming days are expected to bring prolonged, extremely hazardous cold temperatures to North Dakota and much of the central United States. It is crucial to prepare your home, business, family, and animals for these extreme conditions. While cold temperatures typically do not directly trigger power outages, it's important to be aware that outages can still occur.
In the event of a power outage during extremely low temperatures, restoring power can be a more prolonged and challenging process. McKenzie Electric Cooperative strongly encourages its members to take proactive measures to enhance their preparedness for potential extended power loss during life-threatening cold conditions.
Here are some crucial tips:
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Ensure you have an alternative heat source ready. Stock up and properly store kerosene for your heater, candles, and wood, gas, or pellets for stoves.
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If having an alternate heat source at home isn't an option, establish a plan to relocate to an alternative location, such as the home of a friend or family member equipped with an alternate heat source.
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Stockpile water for your family and animals. Whether bottled or self-prepared, bear in mind that electric water pumps won't function during power outages. Be sure to store water in a location where it won't freeze.
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Accumulate a supply of ready-to-eat food, including essentials like infant formula and food for your animals.
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Charge your devices and organize your flashlights, batteries, power banks, lanterns, and radios in an easily accessible location.
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Keep your gas tank filled. Many gas stations rely on electricity for their pumps, and your vehicle may serve as a charging or warming station in emergencies.
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Prepare your home for cold temperatures by sealing drafts, insulating pipes, and installing carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups on every level of your home.
In the event of a power outage, keep informed by staying in touch with your Co-op:
- McKenzie Electric's outage reporting is staffed 24/7 with after hours services beginning at 4:30PM each day until 8AM the following day.
- Information regarding current power outages is typically available through our website and social media channels.
- Monitor the Outage Map to determine if your outage has already been reported.
- If you have an outage that isn't yet visible on the Outage Map and you've checked your breakers to ensure the outage is on McKenzie Electric's side of the meter, please report your outage using the following methods:
- Report your outage through the SmartHub app
- Call 701.444.9288
To keep an eye on the local forecast, visit: NWS Bismark