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The
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Current
A Publication of Cotton Electric Cooperative Inc.
“The Current - Informing Our Members Since 1957” VOLUME 67
April 11, 2025
Be prepared and stay safe: Storm watches versus warnings At any moment, 1,800 thunderstorms occur worldwide, according to the National Weather Service. That is 16 million storms a year. Beyond the items in your preparedness kit, it is a good idea for you and your family to fully understand how dangerous storms can be and how to interpret weather alerts to help minimize risk.
Watch versus warning
• If a power outage occurs, never use a portable generator in your home, enclosed structure or garage. • Do not step into a flooded basement or other standing water. The water could be covering electrical outlets, appliances or cords. Never touch (or use) electrical appliances, cords, wires or switches while you are wet or standing in water. • Never go near a downed power line, and warn others to stay away. If you see a downed line, call 911, and a crew will be dispatched to address the problem safely. • If you encounter a downed power line while driving or after an auto accident, do not get out. Call 911 to report the downed line. If you must exit your vehicle after an accident because of a fire or smoke, make a solid, clean jump out, landing with both feet together. Then make solid hops with your feet together, hopping as far away as you can. • If your home has been damaged by a flood, turn off the power to your house if it is safe to do so. (Do not turn power off at the breaker box while standing in water or in damp conditions.)
When bad weather is approaching, people typically turn on the TV or pull up a weather app for information. If you see a severe weather watch or warning, something bad could be heading your way. However, many people do not consider the differences between the two. A watch means there is a significant chance of a severe thunderstorm or tornado. Watch and wait for more information while taking precautionary measures, like unplugging electronics and checking the contents of your emergency preparedness kit. A warning means that a severe thunderstorm or tornado has been spotted on radar. The moment you get a warning, take shelter in the safest part of your home, which is usually the baseTornadoes ment or the most interior part. The Great Plains have the perfect Thunderstorms environment and climate for severe Thunderstorms are some of the storm creation. While tornadoes can most common yet destructive weather happen in any month, April, May and events on Earth. Most of the damage June have more than twice as many recomes from flooding caused by heavy ported tornadoes as any other time of rains, lightning strikes and high winds. the year. Some storms also deliver hail and can To stay safe during a tornado, be even spawn tornadoes. Bad weather aware of weather conditions during systems, such as those that cause thun- thunderstorms that could breed torderstorms, can cause broken windows, nadoes. Know the best place to shelter extreme water damage, fallen trees, both indoors and out, and always prodowned power lines and more. tect your head, according to the CenDo not ignore the potential hazards ters for Disease Control. of thunderstorms: Understanding severe thunderstorm • Keep flashlights or battery-operat- and tornado watches and warnings can ed lights well supplied with batteries, help keep you and your family safe. Do or charge them regularly. not underestimate the potential pow• Keep a supply of nonperishable er of these weather systems. Take steps food and drinking water on hand. to protect yourselves and your proper• Turn off and unplug electronic ty before a storm hits. equipment to protect it from power For more information about storm surges. preparedness and electrical safety, vis• Move valuables out of locations it www.cottonelectric.com/safety or www.safeelectricity.org. that may flood.
Power Cost Adjustment Calculated The power cost adjustment now being applied to bills mailed after April 1, 2025, is $0.00916 per kilowatt hour (kWh).
On a member’s average bill of 1,300 kWh, this will amount to a charge of $11.91 on the April bill.
March 2025 Temperature Extremes Day High Low Avg. 16 66 30 48 17 86 35 61 18 87 48 68 19 70 46 58 20 64 29 47 21 73 41 57 22 83 36 60 23 71 42 57 24 79 34 57 25 87 44 66 26 81 59 70 27 83 54 69 28 77 59 68 29 87 60 74 30 67 48 58 Source: srh.noaa.gov/oun/ 31 67 41 54 Average Daily High: 74 Average Daily Low: 42
Day High Low 1 76 41 2 70 43 3 73 49 4 65 45 5 61 34 6 65 33 7 80 42 8 48 40 9 64 39 10 76 34 11 82 33 12 82 36 13 81 38 14 71 52 15 62 35
Avg. 59 57 61 55 48 49 61 44 52 55 58 59 60 62 49
NUMBER 8
STAYI NG SAFE DURING A N OUTA GE
We work hard to provide the most reliable service possible. Rest assured, if the power is out, we are on it!
The length of time it takes to restore your power depends on several factors, including the:
Extent of the storm’s destruction
Severity of utility equipment damage
Number and Accessibility extent of to damaged outages equipment
STAY SAFE UNTI L POWER I S RESTORED Stay far away and keep others away from downed power lines, which could be live and deadly. I f you come across a downed line, immediately call 911 to report it. Never enter a flooded room; the water could be energized. I f you are standing in water, do not turn on/off power or flip a switch.
Prepare for a storm by gathering these items: Bottles of water
Extra batteries
Nonperishable food
Pet supplies
Portable phone charger
Blankets
Prescriptions
Warm clothing
Battery-operated radio
First aid kit
Flashlights
Hand sanitizer
Thank you for your patience during outages. When the lights go off, we are working safely and efficiently to restore power. The safety of our employees, as well as those we serve, is our top priority.
Did You Know? Cotton Electric Cooperative HVAC TuneUp rebate applications are open and must be received by June 30, 2025. Tune-ups must by completed between April 1 and June 20, 2025.
Contact Us
Do you have a story idea for The Current, or do you need to place an ad? If so, let us know. We can be reached at 580-875-3351 or by email at TheCurrent@ cottonelectric.com. You can also drop us The next issue of The a line at Cotton ElecCurrent should arrive tric Current, 226 N. in mailboxes May 16, Broadway, Walters, OK 2025. 73572.
Mission Statement Our mission is to safely deliver reliable and affordable power, provide excellent member service, and improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.