LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jordan Yuodis, a spokesperson for the Jefferson County Fire Department, remembers the 2009 ice storm vividly. 

It happened during the first year of his communications career. 


What You Need To Know

  • Icy conditions are in the forecast tomorrow

  • The storm could cause power outages

  • Generators should always be operated outside of the home and away from decks

  • Space heaters should be three feet away from combustible items

 

“2009 was awful,” says Yuodis.

That storm didn’t just impact roads. 

“I was personally without power for about two weeks and that was a big bulk of Jefferson County,” says Yuodis.  

Icy weather in the forecast could cause power outages and people will probably crank up generators, but if used incorrectly, they could cause bigger issues. 

“There were several fatalities in 2009 from people using generators unsafe. CO is colorless, it’s odorless, you can’t taste it. It’s often known as the silent killer, so it can happen very quickly,” says Yuodis. 

Yuodis says we should always operate generators outside and away from decks and porches. 

If you don’t lose power and can use a space heater to stay warm, Yuodis warns to keep them at least three feet away from combustible items like curtains and furniture. 

“When not used properly, every single year they cause catastrophic fires, I mean, every single year. That is the one thing that we can count on as the fire department and I’m sure any other fire department in the country would tell you that,” says Yuodis. 

Yuodis does not recommend using candles, but if necessary, he says to never leave them unattended or lit while asleep.  

He says now is the time to prepare before roads get icy. 

“If you must get out later in the week, he recommends fully fueling your gas tank and cellphone battery, and putting an emergency kit, blanket, food, and water in your vehicle.“

“If you do get stranded on the side of the road for a while, and it takes whoever you call whether it be us or a tow company at some time to get there you have some things to keep you warm and fed and have a phone so that we can contact you or if worse case if we need to ping your cellphone, we can do that,” says Yuodis.

LG&E and KU, which provide power to over 90 Kentucky counties, say it built its system to withstand extreme conditions.

The company says the situation is being monitored closely and contact with mutual help partners has been made.