Ice Storm Leaves Southern Illinois Without Power

State Coordinates Emergency Assistance

[February 13, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- On Tuesday, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich directed the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to activate the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield to coordinate state assistance needed to help several southern Illinois counties that were hit with widespread power outages, slick roads, and downed trees and branches following an ice storm that swept through the area Monday night and Tuesday morning.

"Thousands of people in southern Illinois are without power today due to the ice storm," Blagojevich said Tuesday. "The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is in close contact with local officials, and we're working to make sure people and communities are getting the help they need to recover from the storm."

Representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Illinois Commerce Commission, Central Management Services, Department of Natural Resources, Illinois National Guard and the American Red Cross reported to the State Emergency Operations Center Tuesday afternoon to coordinate requests for assistance from local emergency management officials in the affected areas. In addition, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency dispatched additional regional staff to support the agency’s regional coordinator in Marion.

The state worked to locate available generators that may be needed in some areas to support municipal water system pumps and heat shelters. As of mid-afternoon Tuesday, approximately 20,000 homes were without electricity in southern Illinois. Other assistance requested included cots for shelters.

Anyone experiencing a power outage at their home should observe the following safety tips:

• Dress warmly and in layers.

• Do not use candles to light or heat a home. Make sure you have flashlights and extra batteries for lighting darkened homes.

• Never use a barbecue grill indoors.

• Never attempt to heat your home with an oven.

• If using a fireplace, ensure the flue is fully vented to prevent fumes from building up in the house.

• Exercise caution when using generators. The primary hazards with generators are carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. Portable generators should never be used indoors, including in a garage, carport, basement, crawl space or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, even with ventilation. Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

• Stay indoors as much as possible.

• Listen to the radio or television for weather reports and emergency information.

• If you have no heat, close off unneeded rooms and place towels or rags under the doors.

• Hang blankets over windows at night, but let the sun shine in during the day.

• Eat to supply heat, and drink nonalcoholic beverages to avoid dehydration.

• Refuel kerosene heaters outside, and keep them at least three feet away from flammable objects.

In addition, during power outages, the following food safety guidelines are important:

• Meat, poultry and milk need to be at 40 degrees or below.

• An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold enough for at least a couple hours.

• If power outage will be prolonged, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.

• Never taste food to see if it is spoiled. When in doubt, throw it out.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]