Be Storm Prepared
Be Storm Prepared
Date Published

Be Storm Prepared

Are you ready if a power outage occurs?

Winter is right around the corner in Southwest Colorado, and the possibility of multiple winter storms are projected in long range weather forecasts. Residents of Browning, Montana recently experienced a historic blizzard during September that produced more than four feet of snow in two days and caused prolonged power outages. Record cold temperatures accompanied the blizzard that brought Browning to a standstill.

La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) is continuously monitoring the weather forecasts and analyzing our electric distribution system’s performance. Your LPEA employees are prepared and ready to respond if a power outage occurs, but we need our members to “Be Storm Prepared” this winter as well.

“Prepare now. Sign up for local weather alerts and warnings. Receiving timely information about weather conditions or other emergency events can make a significant difference in knowing when to act,” said LPEA Customer Service Representative Renee Davis. “Members should sign up to receive local emergency notifications through the Community Notification System in Archuleta County and Code Red in La Plata County.”

“Communication is key during a power outage. Members should add La Plata Electric to their mobile device’s contact list for quick access in the event of a power outage,” said LPEA Dispatcher Baker McKonly. “Members need to contact LPEA and verify the phone number associated with their account is correct. The Interactive Voice Response System we use during power outages identifies the incoming phone number and automatically adds the members account information to our outage data.”

Members are also encouraged to download and install the SmartHub app. SmartHub gives you the ability to report a power outage or service issues, manage your account, check your usage, pay your bill or contact us anytime, anywhere on your mobile device or computer. LPEA’s Outage Texting Service also provides members with a convenient way to stay connected and communicate during a power outage in our service territory.

“Planning and preparing can make a big difference in your safety and well-being during a winter storm,” said LPEA Dispatcher Rachel Killinen. “Having an emergency plan in place and being prepared, especially during a power outage, will help you endure the winters in Colorado.”

“Winter storms can cause power outages that last for several hours or days,” said LPEA Customer Service Representative Denver Hutchins. “Remember to never use a camp stove, charcoal grill, propane heater or generator indoors. They can start accidental fires, cause electric shock and produce deadly carbon monoxide gas.”

“You may not be at home when a storm begins. So, it’s important to have the basic supplies of food, water, blanket, flashlight and extra batteries in your vehicle,” said LPEA Customer Service Representative Julie McIntyre. “You can build your emergency supply kit over time by simply adding a few items each week or month. Collect the necessary supplies needed to help you and your family stay safe during a storm.”

The right time to prepare for a winter storm is now. The emergency supply kit checklist featured below will help get you started. Make sure to include your family in the preparation and discuss your emergency plan with them. Each family is different, so be sure to consider your family’s specific needs when organizing an emergency supply kit.

Emergency Supply Kit Checklist:

  • La Plata Electric (970) 247-5786 Option 5 Report Power Outage

  • Telephone numbers for friends, school, work, doctors, etc.

  • Address of local emergency shelter

  • Flashlights and fresh batteries

  • Battery-powered AM/FM radio or NOAA weather radio

  • First-aid kit and medications

  • Supply of bottled water

  • Non-perishable foods that don’t require heating

  • Hand-operated can opener

  • Paper plates and plastic utensils

  • Blankets, bedding or sleeping bags

  • Identification and copies of important family documents

  • Small bills and change

  • Special items for infants, the elderly or family members with special needs

La Plata Electric Association provides power outage updates on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media platforms. Members can view current outage information on LPEA’s Outage Viewer Map, http://outage.lpea.coop, and report and receive power outage information through LPEA’s SmartHub https://lpea.coop/smarthub-application mobile iOS and Android device downloads and Outage Texting Service (OTS) https://lpea.coop/ots programs.

How do you participate in the Outage Texting Service (OTS)? First, list your mobile number(s) on your LPEA account, then text TEXTLPEA to 1-888-839-5732. You'll also want to save this number to your phone’s contacts, so you can quickly report your outage when necessary. PLEASE NOTE: Standard text and data rates may apply, and it may take up to one day for changes to your account to take effect.

In 2019, LPEA, celebrated 80 years providing safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost to approximately 34,000 members, located in the counties of La Plata, Archuleta, and segments of Hinsdale, Mineral and San Juan.