Duke Energy, Tri-State prepare for winter weather

CINCINNATI - Duke Energy says it was ready Thursday evening for the Tri-State's latest bout with winter weather.

The energy company said it had a considerable number of crews already in the office when the winter weather started around 8 p.m. and has other workers on-call in case of major power outages.

While Duke Energy says it’s prepared to battle the elements, the type of conditions Greater Cincinnati will experience Thursday evening and Friday morning could still cause power outages.

Ice and wind are two of the major challenges repair crews face because of what they can do to power lines. Strong winds mixed with heavy ice and can take down lines.

"Snow is not an issue for the most part unless it's accompanied by significant winds. The snow doesn’t gather and form and just sit on the lines.” said Duke Energy representative Sally Thelen. “Ice has a tendency to gather and you've seen a picture of a tree branch, our lines are very similar to that. And it will just freeze and harden up and bring them down."

Duke Energy says customers should have an emergency kit handy in case they do lose power for an extended period of time.

The American Red Cross put together a how-to guide for creating the ideal emergency kit. One key is to be prepared for a prolonged or widespread power outage.

Below is a list of must-haves for your emergency preparedness kit :

• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight (Do not use candles during a power outage due to the extreme risk of fire.)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and required medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining equipment, remember to include backup power in your evacuation plan
• Keep a non-cordless telephone in your home. It is likely to work even when the power is out.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full.

For more information on power outages visit the "Outages" section on the Duke Energy website .