Editor’s note: A number of local utilities have sent MuncieJournal.com updates and advice on how to handle the upcoming winter storm. We have combined them all into this one article.
Indiana and Michigan Power
As a blast of extreme winter cold and snow is expected this weekend, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) wants to help customers stay safe and warm while keeping costs as low as possible.
There When You Need Us
If there are power outages, I&M employees will respond as safely and quickly as weather conditions allow. Crews have strengthened the local electrical system ahead of winter weather by installing smart technology, upgrading equipment and proactively trimming trees. Due to these efforts, I&M has cut customer outages by nearly 50% over the last five years.
Stay Safe, Warm and Informed
As temperatures fall, heating systems work longer to keep homes comfortable. This uses more energy – even if you haven’t adjusted your thermostat – and could increase your monthly bill.
Before the sub-zero temperatures arrive, now is the time for customers to take steps to stay safe and save money with the following:
- Keep your thermostat set at a consistent and comfortable temperature.
- Grab more layers, like a sweatshirt or sweater, and use blankets to provide warmth without cranking up the heat.
- Place rolled towels at the bottom of exterior facing doors to prevent cold air entering your space – and making your system work harder.
- Skip the space heater – it’s not only a fire hazard, but running a 1500-watt unit for 8 hours a day can add over $60 a month to your energy bill.
- Never use a stove or oven as a heat source as this is a major fire hazard.
- Sign up to stay informed with I&M through the winter weather. Customers can enroll in I&M text or email alerts, update your online account with your contact information and view your home’s energy usage to make real-time energy adjustments.
Here to Help This Winter
We welcome the opportunity to connect with our customers to discuss their monthly bill. We have several payment options for all customers.
- More Information on Payment Assistance
- Set Up Payment Arrangement
- Find a Payment Plan
Customers can find additional energy saving tips at IndianaMichiganPower.com/savings/
CenterPoint Energy
Winter weather is headed our way, and we’re ready to help you through it.
What to expect The National Weather Service is forecasting significant snowfall and dangerously cold wind chills across Indiana and Ohio this weekend. You’ll likely be spending more time indoors, and your heating system will be working harder than usual.
Our crews are ready and positioned to respond quickly if you need us. We’ve checked our equipment, coordinated with local emergency responders and activated our cold weather action plan to maintain safe and reliable natural gas service.
Keep your home comfortable: * Turn your thermostat down a few degrees — small changes can lower your bill without leaving you cold.
Open your blinds during the day to let sunlight warm your home naturally, then close them at night to keep the heat in.
Replace your furnace filter if it’s been a while — it helps your system run more efficiently.
Stay safe: Clear snow from outdoor vents and air intakes (your heating system needs airflow to work safely).
Gently brush snow off your meter with a broom — never use a shovel, as it can cause damage.
If you smell natural gas, leave immediately and call us 800-227-1376 from a safe location. * Put together a storm kit with essentials like water, snacks and flashlights.
Need more tips? Visit our Winter Energy Guide at CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter for additional ways to stay safe, warm, and energy-efficient this weekend.
Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water is preparing for forecasted snowstorm and freezing wintery mix this weekend. The company has initiated readiness efforts to mitigate potential impacts on its water and wastewater plants and distribution systems.
“We are committed to providing safe and reliable water service to our customers, even through extreme weather conditions,” said Kari Britto, vice president of operations for Indiana American Water. “Our team of experts is highly trained on emergency preparedness, response and management and is ready to handle any service disruptions that may come our way.”
As part of the company’s readiness efforts, operations personnel have tested and fueled generators, vehicles and fuel storage tanks, secured additional water treatment chemicals, prepared wastewater treatment plants for increased flows, and updated staffing plans to help with response efforts.
“Customers should also prepare for extreme conditions this weekend by taking the following precautions before, during, and after the snowstorm to stay informed, stay safe and protect vulnerable areas of their homes,” said Britto.
Before the storm
- Update your emergency contact information and preferences in your MyWater account. The company uses this information to contact customers about any service impact.
- Locate your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off at once.
- Protect your pipes and water meter. Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or use electrical heat tracing wire; newspaper or fabric might also work. For outside meters, keep the lid to the meter pit closed tightly and let any snow that falls cover it. Snow acts as insulation, so don’t disturb it.
- Make an emergency plan. Visit www.ready.gov/plan to get started. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water, in case services are cut off in your area.
During the storm
- Stay home and off the roads during times of high winds and heavy snowfall.
- If you have pipes that are vulnerable to freezing, allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing. The cost of the extra water is low compared to the cost of repairing a broken pipe.
- Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures to help keep them from freezing.
If your pipes freeze
- Shut off the water at once. Don’t try to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off. Freezing can often cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints.
- Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it, or by applying heat directly to a pipe. You can use a hairdryer, space heater or hot water. Be sure not to leave space heaters unattended.
- Do not use kerosene heaters or open flames to thaw pipes inside your home.
- Once the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for cracks and leaks.
After the storm
- Clear snow and ice from fire hydrants and clear a path from the hydrant to the street so firefighters can connect their equipment without delays in case of emergency.
- Shovel snow from driveways and sidewalks before it turns to ice and use road salt only in areas needed for safety after snow has been cleared.
- If temperatures fall below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, road salt becomes less effective. Consider using alternatives like sand or native birdseed to build traction.
Indiana American Water also advises that sub-freezing temperatures can hasten aging water mains to break and cause unsafe driving conditions. If you see a leak or your water service is disrupted, please report an emergency online at emergency.amwater.com. Additionally, please continue to check the company’s alerts page and Customer Advisory Map for any disruptions that could be impacting your area.
For more Cold Weather Protection tips, visit http://www.indianaamwater.com
