Winter Storms & Ice
Sitting in the Ozark freezing-rain transition zone, Shannon County's biggest winter danger is ice — and the long power outages it brings to our wooded, rural terrain.
Never run a generator, grill, or fuel heater indoors or in a garage.
They produce carbon monoxide, which is invisible, odorless, and deadly. Keep generators well away from windows and doors, and use a working CO alarm.
Prepare for outages
- Ice can bring down trees and power lines and leave the county without power for days — as it did in the January 2009 ice storm.
- Keep flashlights, batteries, warm bedding, and several days of food and water on hand.
- Have a safe backup heat source and know how to use it. Dress in layers and close off unused rooms.
- Check on older neighbors and anyone who relies on electricity for medical equipment.
If you must travel
- Don't, if you can avoid it. If you must, tell someone your route and keep a winter kit in the car (blanket, water, snacks, charger, flashlight).
- Slow down on bridges and shaded curves, which ice first.