At 5:00 a.m. this morning a single vehicle collision did damage to multiple power poles on North 3rd Street just North of Main Avenue in the Lyons area of Clinton. Initially power was out to 1247 customers in the area. Alliant Energy crews arrived on scene at 5:30 a.m. and power should be restored to all but 114 customers by 8:00 a.m. Those citizens still without power are encouraged to:
- dress in layers
- stay indoors
- close rooms that are not in use
- leave faucets running at a constant drip
- open cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach pipes
- know where the water shut off for the house is
- Leave refrigerator and freezer doors closed
- If using a portable generator ensure proper ventilation to avoid Carbon Monoxide poisoning
- Do NOT use your gas stove to heat the home
- Do NOT try to thaw pipes with an open flame or torch
- Do NOT use kerosene heaters or camp stoves indoors
- If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable—clothing, bedding, curtains, rugs—at least three feet away. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
- Avoid using a conventional fireplace. Traditional fireplaces are an energy loser because they pull heated air out of the house and release it up the chimney. When not in use, keep the damper closed. Make sure there are no smoldering embers before closing the damper.
- Use generators correctly – never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage. If air isn’t circulating, deadly carbon monoxide fumes can quickly build up.
- NEVER attempt to hook up a portable generator to your home’s wiring.
Alliant Energy reports that power has been restored to all customers in Clinton. Thanks to the Red Cross, Boy Scouts, and Community Congregational Church for assisting the community with warming centers.
Chance Kness, Coordinator
Clinton County Emergency Management
