Cullman Power Board Urges Residents to Prepare for Winter Storms

With forecasts predicting a mix of winter precipitation and rapidly falling temperatures, the Cullman Power Board is urging residents of Cullman, Alabama to prepare for potential power outages. Allison Bright, the chief executive officer of the Power Board, emphasized the importance of advance preparation to protect homes and families during severe winter weather.

“Preparation ahead of time is the most important step residents can take,” Bright stated. She encouraged customers to assemble an emergency kit that includes flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, bottled water, nonperishable food, medications, and warm clothing or blankets. Additionally, she advised that cell phones and portable battery packs should be fully charged before conditions worsen.

Home and Family Preparedness

Bright also highlighted the need for home readiness and family planning as integral parts of winter preparedness. “Residents should take steps to winterize their homes by sealing drafts, insulating exposed pipes, and knowing how to safely shut off water if pipes freeze,” she said. She recommended that families discuss plans to check on elderly neighbors or relatives, and identify a warming location in case of extended outages. “Being prepared helps reduce stress and keeps everyone safer during winter weather events,” Bright added.

For residents reliant on electrically powered medical equipment, personal planning is essential. “Those who need life-sustaining devices should make plans well before severe weather arrives,” Bright advised. This includes consulting with healthcare providers about emergency options and ensuring backup batteries are charged. Identifying an alternative location, such as a family member’s home or a medical facility with stable power, is also crucial.

Bright warned that while the Power Board crews will work to restore power safely and quickly, uninterrupted service cannot be guaranteed during severe weather. “Customers with critical medical needs are encouraged to be personally prepared and have a backup plan in place,” she said. “Individuals with critical needs should not rely on restoration priority.”

Safety Risks During Cold Weather Outages

Winter outages can pose serious safety hazards, particularly regarding heating and fire risks. Bright urged residents to exercise extreme caution when trying to stay warm. “Generators, grills, camp stoves, or propane heaters should never be used indoors, as they can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide,” she explained. Generators should only be operated outdoors and placed far from doors, windows, and vents.

She also stressed the careful use of alternative lighting and heating sources. “Candles should be kept away from flammable materials and never left unattended,” Bright advised. Space heaters must be plugged directly into wall outlets, kept clear of furniture and curtains, and turned off when sleeping or leaving the room. Working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms with fresh batteries throughout the home are strongly recommended.

Bright noted that ice accumulation and extreme cold could significantly strain the electrical system, leading to more complex restoration challenges. “Significant ice on trees and power lines can result in broken lines or damaged equipment, while freezing temperatures can slow repair work and create hazardous conditions for crews,” she said.

When widespread outages occur, the restoration process follows a structured approach to ensure safety and efficiency. “Crews first address dangerous situations and restore power to substations and main feeder lines serving the largest number of customers,” Bright explained. From there, they focus on smaller neighborhood outages and individual service lines, prioritizing critical facilities such as hospitals and emergency services throughout the process.

The Cullman Power Board utilizes various communication channels to keep customers informed before, during, and after severe winter events. “We use our website, online outage map, social media platforms, and local media partners to share outage updates, restoration progress, safety information, and operational changes as conditions evolve,” Bright stated.

She encouraged residents to report outages promptly and rely on official sources for updates. “Following the Power Board on social media, checking our official website, and using trusted local news outlets are the best ways to stay informed,” she said. Residents should also report downed power lines immediately, treating them as energized and avoiding any approach.

For more information, visit www.cullmanpowerboard.com.