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With threats of ice and snow in the forecast again, Oncor crews are breaking out a time-tested checklist of cold weather precautions.
“Oncor crews are extremely careful about protecting themselves, customers, company equipment and structures,” said Brenda Pulis, Oncor Senior Vice President of Distribution. “We could all learn from them. Our employees respect difficult weather conditions and know the importance of safety. Just like the Boy Scouts, Oncor crews are always prepared.”Winter Weather Checklist:
Vehicles:
• Check antifreeze and tire pressure in all tires, including the spare.
• Make sure the gas tank is full.
• Check wiper blades, water hoses and all fluids to make sure the levels are correct.
• Keep a de-icer or ice scraper handy to ensure clear visibility before leaving your location.
• Check weather conditions in advance and plan ahead in case you need extra time.
• Watch out for black ice on the roads, a condition that occurs when streets develop a thin sheen of ice that is difficult to see and navigate.
• Avoid other drivers and backing up the vehicle.
• Increase car following distances according to weather conditions.
• Take a blanket and food in case of emergencies.
• Walk the safety circle. In utility terms, this practice means walking completely around the vehicle to check for any obstructions or people BEFORE leaving for your destination.
Office and home:
• Check windows and doors for proper caulking and weather-stripping.
• Keep salt handy for walkways.
• Set thermostats at 68 degrees or lower.
• Make sure sprinkler systems are turned off.
• Protect outdoor faucets from freezing temperatures.
• Make sure generators have full gas tanks and are operated only when utility crews are out of the area.
Personal:
• Wear proper clothing. Oncor crews wear insulated overalls, hat liners, heavy gloves and sturdy shoes when working in cold weather.
• Take breaks when necessary to avoid frostbite.
• Move around to keep good circulation.
• Hydrate with warm fluids.
• Wear overshoes and keep extra pairs handy. Power outages: Call 1-888-313-4747 to let us know when your power is out.
Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (“Oncor”) is a regulated electricity distribution and transmission business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, delivering power to more than 3 million homes and businesses and operating approximately 117,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas. While Oncor is owned by a limited number of investors (including majority owner, Energy Future Holdings Corp.), Oncor is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of a majority of independent directors.
