SHELBY COUNTY (Tenn.) -- The winter weather is moving through the Mid-South, creating ice accumulation on trees, power lines, and increasing the number of power outages.

MLGW requests that you call the Outage Hotline at 901-5444-6500 for information on a specific outage.
 

If you see power lines down outside, assume that they are still live and there is electricity flowing. They are not to be touched or walked on.

Please call 901-528-46565 to report any emergency, such as downed wires and gas leaks. This number should be treated as 911 and used only for such emergencies.
 

Power outages can be caused by as little as a quarter inch to half an inch of ice buildup on trees and lines. As the ice builds up on power lines and trees, it can cause serious problems as both could come crashing down due to the weight of the snow.

• Overnight charging your phone and any other electronic devices, boosters

• Keep at least three days worth of nonperishable food on hand.

• For flashlights and weather radios, keep fresh batteries in stock.

• Warm clothes are recommended. Instead of wearing one layer of thick clothes, wear multiple layers of thin clothing.

• Properly vent kerosene heaters. Keep any electric generators out of direct sunlight. This will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never burn charcoal indoors.

• To monitor weather conditions, use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio (NOAA).

• Make sure you have other heating options and fire extinguishers available. Make sure everyone in your family is familiar with how they work.

• Keep an emergency kit in your car. Include scraper, jumper cables and tow chain. Also, include blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, sand/salt, blankets, and flashlight.

• Prepare an emergency kit for your pet. Include medical records, first aid kits, and enough water for three to seven day.

• Pets should not be left outside for too long.

• When temperatures dip below freezing, bring your pets inside

• In the event of a surge in power, turn off appliances or disconnect equipment. This can cause damage to computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.

• Refrigerator and freezer doors should be kept closed. Foods that require refrigeration can be safely kept in a refrigerator for many hours. Food will stay cold in an unopened refrigerator for approximately 4 hours. A full freezer will keep food cold for approximately 48 hours.
   

  How to prepare for a power outage

  • Make sure you have enough supplies for your emergency kit.

  • You should always have alternate charging options for your phone and any other device that needs power.

  • Charge your cell phone and other battery-powered devices.

  • Find out where your manual release lever for your electric garage door opener is and how to use it.

  • To keep food cool during an emergency power outage, purchase ice or frozen water-filled plastic containers.

  • Your car's fuel tank should always be full. Gas stations depend on electricity to run their pumps. You should not allow your car to charge devices. This can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Visit your state or local website to learn more about emergency plans in your area. You can also find the nearest cooling and warming shelters.

  • You should have a backup plan in place if you depend on any device that is power-dependent or battery-operated, such as a medical device.