Potentially dangerous winter weather is in the forecast for December 23-24. With snow likely Thursday night/Friday morning, please help our snow warriors do their jobs efficiently as possible. You can assist them by removing parked vehicles from the street and by keeping plenty of distance between your vehicle and the plows when driving. You can learn more about our snow removal program by clicking here.

Wind gusts in excess of 40 mph will be possible Friday. AEP says the long-duration, strong wind gusts could also cause power outages. AEP is encouraging customers to click here for preparedness tips to protect you and your family in the event of an outage. Some of those tips include the following:

• Assemble or refresh an emergency kit that includes (at minimum) non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, any necessary medications, fully charged portable chargers, blankets, extra cash and maps of your area.
• Develop an emergency preparedness plan for you and your family. Decide now what you’ll do if there’s an extended power outage, factoring in any planned holiday travel. Also, contact family, friends and neighbors who are elderly or have a medical condition — and don’t forget to include your pets in your planning.
• Stay away from any downed wires and report any hazards through the AEP Ohio mobile app, call 911 and AEP Ohio at (800) 672-2231.
• Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or debris within 10 feet of a power line.
• Limbs, leaves and other objects moved by the wind and ice build-up could hide downed wires. Investigate your surroundings before trying to clean up any debris.
• Notify AEP Ohio if you’re using a generator. This protects you and our lineworkers as they work to restore power.
• Never operate lanterns, heaters or fuel-fired stoves without proper ventilation.
• Unplug major appliances to protect them when power is restored.
• Refuel heaters, lamps and generators outside and away from any flames or sparks. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.
• Never burn charcoal indoors — it releases poisonous carbon monoxide.
• For the health and safety of AEP Ohio crews, please stay at least 6 feet away from our employees, vehicles and equipment.

WARMING CENTERS & SHELTERS

As other organizations around our service territory establish warming centers and shelters, locations and details can be found on AEPOhio.com/OutageMap. As they become available, some of the warming locations within current Franklin County/Columbus warming locations can be found here.