Residents survive power outage

Minnesota Power crews restored power Tuesday to 2,500 customers in the Barnum, Moose Lake and Sturgeon Lake areas who were impacted by an outage caused by the bitterly cold temperatures that morning (when temperatures dropped below -22 degrees). The company called in additional lineworkers and resources from surrounding areas to assist in the response, including a helicopter to fly the transmission line so crews could figure out the problem faster. The outage, which occurred around 4:30 a.m., was caused by a substation breaker failure. Crews were hampered by the subzero temperatures, but worked safely and as quickly as possible, restoring power by 11 a.m., according to a MN Power news release. In addition, company representatives were in communication with local emergency management personnel to keep them apprised of the situation.

The power company also shared the following winter weather safety guidelines:

• Take care when using electric space heaters. Purchase only space heaters that have been safety tested and UL approved. Make sure the unit has an emergency tip-over shut-off feature and heating element guards. The Energy Education Council offers other tips for safe operation.

• Do not touch or go near any downed power lines. Always assume they are energized and keep children and pets away from them. Contact with downed lines can lead to serious injuries or death. Call Minnesota Power immediately to report downed wires at 1-800-228-4966.

• Keep at least one flashlight for each household member, a battery-powered radio and extra batteries in an accessible place. During cold weather, have extra clothing layers, warm footwear, hats, gloves, and blankets or sleeping bags available. Be prepared to move to a location with power and heat during an extended power outage in extreme cold.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds people that generators should be at least 20 feet away from your home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.