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CONTACT:
Sharon Watson
Director, Public Affairs Office
Work: (785) 274-1192
Cell: (785) 806-4063
http://www.Kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       December 21, 2007

No. 07-204

POWER REMAINS OUT TO APPROXIMATELY 3,200 KANSAS CUSTOMERS

DANGEROUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS EXPECTED N PARTS OF KANSAS THIS WEEKEND

As a strong new storm moves into Kansas, approximately 3,200 Kansas customers are still waiting for their power to be restored from last week's ice and snow. Kansas Rural Electric Cooperatives has approximately 3,150 customers out of service and Westar has about 50 customers still without power. Both companies expect to have power restored by Christmas.

More Winter Weather

High winds and heavy snow in parts of Kansas could bring down more power lines and poles this weekend, and it may pose very dangerous conditions for holiday travel. The National Weather Service reports the weather system is moving into western Kansas tonight (Friday) and will increase in intensity Saturday. Accumulations of 1 to 5 inches are expected in southwest Kansas, and three to five inches are expected from south central to northeast Kansas, particularly along the I-35 corridor. Other parts of the state may receive an inch or two.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management reminds Kansans to be ready for severe weather and potential power outages by restocking home emergency kits with water, food and medications for each family member. Additional information regarding emergency kits is available at www.ready.gov and www.ksready.gov.

Road travel is discouraged during storm situations, but if travel is a must, ensure the vehicle's fuel tank is full, monitor weather reports, and restock travel emergency kits.

"It's critical to keep a close eye on your vehicle's gas tank, especially during winter weather when you could become stranded along the roadway or stuck in traffic," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director of Kansas Division of Emergency Management and Kansas adjutant general. "Arrange your travel plans so you can leave well ahead of the storm front, tell someone your travel route and keep an emergency kit in your car."

Kansans may monitor road conditions by calling 511 or going to http://511.ksdot.org. If outside the state, call 1-866-511-5368 to get local road conditions.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Home Emergency Supply Kit:

  • 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 for each person
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • 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
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Local maps

Keep in mind that during a severe winter storm it could be hours before emergency personnel are able to reach you.

Recommended Items to Include in a Vehicle Emergency Kit

  • Shovel
  • Windshield scraper and small broom
  • Flashlight
  • Battery powered radio
  • Extra batteries
  • Water
  • Snack food
  • Matches
  • Extra hats, socks and mittens
  • First aid kit with pocket knife
  • Necessary medications
  • Blanket(s)
  • Tow chain or rope
  • Road salt and sand
  • Booster cables
  • Emergency flares
  • Fluorescent distress flag

Additional information for preparing for winter weather is available through your county emergency management office or at the following websites:

  • Kansas Division of Emergency Management - http://www.ksready.gov/winter.shtml
  • U.S. Department Homeland Security - www.ready.gov
  • Kansas Division of Emergency Management - http://www.ksready.gov/winter.shtml
  • FEMA - http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/wi_before.shtm
  • American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_239_,00.html

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