Oswego County residents and people traveling through the county are urged to use caution as a high wind warning has been issued for the area from 1 p.m. today, Jan. 9 until 10 a.m. tomorrow, Jan. 10.

The forecast includes rain, but wind gusts up to 55 to 60 mph, or as high as 70 mph in the Tug Hill region, are the main concern. The National Weather Service Buffalo Forecast Office indicates the expected southeast winds may cause greater tree damage and result in more power outages as compared to the usual southwest winds this area experiences.

“We’ve had a relatively mild winter so far this season, so we’ve got to remember our preparedness checklist,” said Cathleen Palmitesso, director of the Oswego County Emergency Management Office. “Check your disaster supplies kit and make sure it is up to date. Also be sure that you have batteries on hand for flashlights and AM/FM radios and charge your cellular phones ahead of the storm.”

The Oswego County Emergency Management Office also reminds residents to secure any loose outdoor objects such as trash cans and holiday decorations and, if they have a landline telephone, make sure they have a phone that can be plugged directly into the phone jack and not a portable phone that requires electricity.

“If you have to be outdoors during the storm, stay away from trees and branches and be careful while driving during high winds,” Palmitesso added. “Once the storm is over, check on your neighbors if you can, especially the elderly and those who have access or functional needs.”

Residents are also encouraged to follow National Grid guidelines for dealing with power outages and downed power lines:

• Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity.
• Downed lines should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 911.
• If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online at https://www1.nationalgridus.com/outages or text ‘OUT’ to 64743.

For real-time power outage information, online outage reporting, and in-depth storm safety information, visit National Grid’s Outage Central website at https://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Home/outage-central/.

In the event of a power outage, follow proper safety procedures for operating a generator. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, never use a generator indoors and be sure to have working carbon monoxide detectors inside. The unit should be placed at least 20 feet from the building and kept dry to reduce the risk of electrocution.

This is also a good time for residents to register their cellular phones for emergency alerts from Oswego County’s E-911 Center through the Hyper-Reach program.

“In the event of a public emergency, such as a downed power line in your neighborhood, E-911 can send a targeted notification to you and your neighbors, warning you of the hazard,” said Oswego County E-911 Director Kevin Pooley. “Contact information is not used for any purpose other than emergency communication announcements.”

For more information on winter weather safety, visit the Oswego County Emergency Management online at www.oswegocounty.com/emo.