Winter and the approaching spring often collide, wreaking havoc on the power supply. Ice and snow storms 1 week might give way to gusty thunderstorms and even tornadoes the next. Unavoidable outages can result.

While North Alabama Electric Cooperative works hard to prevent power disruptions and restore service as quickly as possible when they do occur, there are many ways to prepare for whatever the weather may bring.

The American Red Cross and FEMA detail several steps to take before, during, and after a power outage:

• Stay connected. Sign up to receive weather alerts by a call, an app, and text messages. Identify and make a list of people who can help you either stay at home or evacuate during an extended power outage. Also, keep a paper copy of their contact information. If an outage occurs, let people in your network know you are OK, check to see if they’re OK, and request help if needed.
• Stock up. Gather supplies, including medicines and enough nonperishable food and water to last at least 2 weeks. Have coolers, ice, and ice packs available to protect food and any refrigerated medicine. Have flashlights on hand — not candles — and fill your car gas tank if forecasts predict severe weather.
• Have backup resources. If you have a generator, camp stove, or charcoal grill, only use them outdoors and in well-ventilated areas at least 20 feet away from windows. Inside, have communication devices that work without home power, including a crank or battery radio and weather radio. Keep chargers, or batteries if applicable, ready for your cell phones, laptops, and other devices. Portable power packs are a great resource. They range from low-cost, limited-use, and solar models to those with high charge capacity and even AC outlets. On average, a stored quality power pack can hold a full charge for about half a year.
• Practice food safety. During an outage, eat your fresh, perishable foods first. Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer. An unopened fridge keeps foods cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours — 24 hours if it is half full. Throw out food, especially meat and dairy, that has been warmer than 40 degrees F. Keep a thermometer in the fridge, freezer, or cooler to monitor temperature. Also, pay attention to advisories that might call for using only boiled or bottled water.
• Keep warm safely. Use methods such as sealing around windows to insulate your home, cuddling in blankets, and wearing clothing layers to stay comfortable. If there’s no safe way to stay warm in your home during a power outage or if you have medical devices that need power, plan to go to a location such as a community center that offers heating and power charging stations.
• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Smoke alarms with battery backup should be installed on every floor, inside and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly. Make sure you also have a carbon monoxide detector on each level.
• Have a plan for pets. Keep food, leashes, harnesses, carriers, and other essential items at the ready, and have a current picture of you with your pet in case it gets lost.
• Protect against surges. Surge protectors are helpful for household electronics when the power is on. However, if the power goes out, it’s best to unplug appliances and electronics to avoid power overloads and damage from surges during power restoration. Turn off the utilities only if you suspect damage or if local officials instruct you to do so. If circuit breakers have been tripped or your gas line is off, contact a professional for help turning them on.
• Keep away from power lines! Stay at least 35 feet away from fallen power lines and anything they touch. When you see downed lines, please contact NAEC.