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Stay Prepared and Stay Safe: Don’t Let Your Guard Down Around Mother Nature

CPU encourages customers to stay weather-ready throughout spring storm season

Spring in the Mid-South is known for chirping birds, new blooms and sunny days. It’s also known for the battle between warm, moist air and late winter blasts that results in rapidly changing and sometimes unpredictable weather.

That’s why Clarksdale Public Utilities stays ready for severe weather year-round and reminds everyone to keep personal storm plans in place no matter how pretty it may be looking outside.

“When warm and cold air collides, severe thunderstorms often develop bringing hail, lightning, flash flooding, high winds and tornadoes with them, said Curtis D. Boschert, CPU general manager. “We continually watch the conditions, perform proactive maintenance in advance of storms and remain ready to restore power as soon as it is safe to do so.”

In fact, 2022 was a record year for those destructive and sometimes deadly tornadoes in Mississippi. Out of the 137 confirmed, some 96 of those — or 70% — occurred in the two-month timeframe between March and May. Further, experts say that the Magnolia State is experiencing a La Niña weather pattern for the third straight spring which could produce more severe weather than normal.

To help Mississippians be proactive, Gov. Tate Reeves declared February 20-25 as Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week, an annual effort to spread awareness of the potential for turbulent storms and provide information on ways to stay prepared. Each day of the week focuses on a different type of event, as well as the warning and drill system.

“Waiting until warnings are being issued may be too late,” said Boschert. “That’s why we encourage everyone to review and refine plans and preparations before storms strike so you can keep your family safe.”

Area homes and businesses are urged to follow these simple storm preparation tips.

• Monitor weather forecasts so you’ll be as informed as possible.
• Install a smart phone app that will alert you to severe weather in the area or sign up for emergency alerts on your smart phone.
• Have a weather radio with a loud alarm that wakes you when severe weather threatens at night.
• Make sure every family member knows and practices your household’s personal emergency evacuation and shelter plan. This includes arrangements for pets as well.
• Keep an emergency kit on hand.
• Have several days of water and non-perishable food, as well as flashlights and batteries, stocked and available for use if needed.
• Make sure all prescriptions are up-to-date and filled.
• Make a list of important personal information including telephone numbers and insurance details.
• Visit ready.gov for more helpful tips and planning info.

And to report a power outage, water leak or any other service-related issue, CPU customers should call 662-627-8499. For downed power lines or any other potentially life-threatening power emergency, stay away and call 662-627-8499.

Clarksdale Public Utilities is a municipally owned utility serving approximately 6,800 homes and businesses in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Its mission is to safely provide sustainable electric, water and wastewater services in a reliable and courteous manner by well-trained team members, committed to top quality, efficient operations, competitive rates and the vitality of the community.