HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Both the City of Holland and Ottawa County are sharing the same sentiments as the last gasp of the winter weather season descends upon the Lakeshore.
In advance of Saturday’s scheduled Winter Storm Warning for the Tulip City and points north, new county Emergency Management Director Nick Bostell and Holland Department of Public Safety Captain of Fire Operations Chris Tinney offered these tips for staying safe during a power outage that could be caused by downed lines due to ice:
- During and after a storm, stay at least 25 feet from any downed lines and assume that every line is “live” and dangerous.
- If claring trees or limbs, make CERTAIN they are not in contact with a power line. Trees and branches can conduct electricity and electrocute you on contact.
- Do not call 911 to ask about power outage. Report outages to your utility company.
- Never run a generator indoors. Ensure it is outside- far away from windows or any other area where exhaust can vent back into a living area. Carbon monoxide can cause injury or death.
- Have an emergency preparedness kit ready with supplies to last three days per person.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
The National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids on Friday afternoon issued a Winter Storm Warning for Ottawa County from 12 Noon Saturday to 12 Noon Sunday, with total ice accumulations of a quarter to a half an inch expected. No such precaution has been issued for Allegan County.
