Now that we’ve settled into winter, taken our Christmas trees down … and officially started the countdown to Spring, it’s time to focus on something that many of us might try to avoid: preparing for severe power outages and getting “snowed in”.

There isn’t one of us here in Virginia who doesn’t remember what they were doing on January 3rd, 2022. Below are photos taken by Lake Anna Local, Jennifer Christian.

“One moment my driveway was free and clear to shovel, and the next… it was impassable,” said Randy Thomas, referring to the morning of January 3rd when the ice from Storm Frida did its worst, with trees and branches paralyzing the roads. 

“The combination of one inch of rain the night before, soaking the tree bark, and the morning temperature getting down to freezing followed by snow… that’s when we started to hear the trees settle… all the cracking and popping. It took us three days to start to get out. There were over 600 power polls that snapped in half, and it takes Rapphonannock 5-6 hours to replace each one of those.”

A few things we should know about REC’s approach to grid reliability:

• REC is constantly striving to identify the weakest areas of our system, utilizing drones and inspections to pinpoint these areas and determine where to allocate financial resources.
• This process, known as the hardening of the system, involves rating different sections on a scale of 1 to 6 based on their size and vulnerability. REC prioritizes replacing the weakest sections first.
• The funds for repairs and maintenance come from REC member electric bills. By acquiring data and strengthening these weaknesses within the budget, REC is gradually making the system stronger.
• REC does budget for outages, but there is no way to predict the weather outside of historical data.

Preparing for Power Outages or Home Confinement

With potential weather on the horizon – now is the time to prepare for possible power outages, if you haven’t already.

Michael Eckert, a local weather expert, noted that there are just too many unknowns to predict problems from weather. “So many factors that can come into play for outages. Which weak branch will break, which tree goes over, etc… What we do know is the wetter the ground is, the easier for a tree to go over, if we know the status of the root system. But… lots of unknowns.”

“We really need widespread wet/heavy snow,” said Eckert. “…or winds in excess of 50mph to support widespread power disruptions. It doesn’t happen very often.”

Nevertheless, there are several steps you can take to ensure you and your family remain safe and comfortable in the event of being shut in or facing a power outage. First and foremost, maintain an emergency kit stocked with essentials such as bottled water, canned food, a manual can opener, flashlights, and a battery-operated radio. Be sure to include spare batteries for all electronics, and consider investing in a portable charger for handheld devices. If possible, keep a portable generator on hand as a backup power source.

Lake Anna Rescue Chief, Alexander Dillard, wants to remind residents to be prepared in the event of a winter storm. “Be prepared in the event of a winter storm by stocking up on essentials like non-perishable foods, flashlights, batteries, blankets and a first aid kit. You should also ensure that you trim low hanging trees that could become a hazard to your home or block emergency apparatus from accessing your property. Also please ensure that your address signs are visible at all times from the roadway to ensure first responders can quickly locate your home in an emergency.”

In the event of power outages, please remember to use caution when operating generators, and ensure that they are properly distanced from your home,” said Dillard. “Never operate generators indoors. Improperly distanced generators or generators operated indoors can fill your home with carbon monoxide, a colorless odorless deadly gas. Please remember that if you call emergency services, especially at night, turn on exterior lights if possible to help us locate your home. Stay safe and warm during the winter weather!”

Monitor weather forecasts vigilantly and prepare accordingly; for instance, if a storm is expected to bring freezing conditions, take measures to prevent pipes from freezing, such as letting faucets drip slightly and insulating pipes.

You can keep up with local weather with Mike Eckert’s Facebook Group here.

Communication is key during emergencies, so ensure all family members are informed about the situation and have a predetermined plan of action. Also, keep important contact numbers handy, including those of local authorities and utility companies. Lastly, remember that safety is paramount. If you’re advised to stay indoors, refrain from venturing out until it is safe to do so.

Food & Cooking Preparation

Click here for a list of foods to have on hand during the winter season in preparation for potential storms.

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

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