Update 9:26 a.m.:
CWL is now reporting 35 outages in Jonesboro, according to its outage map.
Previously:
Craighead County, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Due to the winter storm, some in Northeast Arkansas found themselves without power on Saturday morning.
Optimum is reporting outages affecting approximately 300 customers. Their map is showing five outages total. Two near Arkansas State University and three near Craighead Forest Park.
City Water and Light (CWL) reported 165 outages in Jonesboro without power as of 9:20 a.m. Of the approximately 32,889 customers covered by Craighead Electric Cooperative, less than 1 percent were without power.
CHECK FOR POWER OUTAGE
City Water and Light:
- Online: CWL
- Call (870) 930-3300
- Text “out” to (800) 933-3672
Craighead Electric Cooperative
- Online: Craighead Electric Cooperative
- Call (888) 771-7772
- Text 85700 or text CECC to 85700 to opt-in to SMS text message outage notifications
Enertergy
- Online: Entergy
- Call: (800) 968-8243
Optimum
- Online: Optimum
For those who happen to find themselves without power, below are some tips on what to do.
Think of the essentials first: food and water. Keep the refrigerator/freezer doors closed to preserve food. An unopened refrigerator can keep food cold for four hours, and a full freezer can maintain a temperature for 48 hours. Conserve water and ensure water is readily available.
| READ MORE: Craighead County: Tips to prepare for winter weather
Don’t use indoor gas ovens or stoves for heating. Safe cooking is best done outdoors if using propane, charcoal, or camp stoves.
Next, let’s talk safety. Report the outage to the utility company and unplug major appliances, TVs, computers, and any other devices that pull a lot of power to avoid surge damage.
Be aware of candles used indoors; placement is important to avoid accidental fires. Use flashlights if possible. Generators should never be run inside a home, even in the basement. Carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator is a risk.
To stay warm, it’s important to wear layers to preserve body heat. Close off any unused rooms and close curtains and blinds to keep the cold from coming in the windows.
For those who rely on medical devices, contact the relevant healthcare provider for assistance.
Finally, check the outside world. Reach out to CWL or Craighead County Electric either using the links or phone numbers above. The website for both utilities includes information on how to report outages as well as when outages are expected to be restored.
Jonesboro Media Group’s radio stations are on the air and providing updates, as is the team at JonesboroRightNow. Listen or read the latest and check Facebook for updates.
Keep devices and radios as charged by using them as little as possible. Phone banks are helpful backups if they’re available.
