The time from January through February has historically been when the harshest winter weather hits our area. Medina Electric Cooperative encourages our members to be prepared and take steps to keep you and your family safe during the extreme cold.

Remain indoors: This is the best choice to make if you have the option, but always be prepared if rolling blackouts occur by charging cellphones and power banks. If a blackout does occur, ignite the fireplace if you have one and bundle up with extra blankets and clothes to keep your body from losing heat. Remember to never run any type of generators or gas-type heat sources within the home.

Protect your home, indoor and outdoor: Keep pipes from bursting by opening cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow air from your home's heater to warm the pipes. Let faucets drip to keep water from freezing quickly. Insulate outdoor faucets and pipes with insulated protection devices, newspaper, or towels. Protect outdoor plants from freezing by covering them with plant-cover fabric, towels, or a light blanket with plastic sheeting on top of it. If you have plants in containers, try to bring them inside during the winter.

If you must leave the home: Cover yourself as much as possible by wearing warm clothing in layers, along with a hat, mittens or gloves, a scarf, and thick or heavy-duty footwear. If using a vehicle, double check the battery, fluids, and tires, make sure you have jumper cables and plenty of fuel. Plan before departing by checking road conditions and watch out for “black ice” if travelling after or during freezing rain and slow down.

For more tips and useful information related to cold weather preparedness, visit MedinaEC.org/Extreme-Winter-Weather-Preparations.