Winter weather in Illinois can turn frigid in the blink of an isobar. Just ask members of Illinois Valley Electric Cooperative. An isolated snow storm blew through Illinois Valley territory in late October, knocking out power to half the members.

While being without electricity can make you feel, well, powerless, there are a few simple steps you can take to increase your comfort and ensure your family's safety while you're waiting for the lights to come on.

Down but not out. You may be tempted to clear a fallen branch from your power line. Don't. A downed line isn't necessarily dead. Give fallen and sagging lines a wide clearance and contact your cooperative. It can make the necessary repairs.

Fashion statement. One of the best ways to stay warm in winter is to wear fabrics which suit the season. Dress in layers, and pay special attention to your head, hands, and feet. Keep your clothing dry; wet clothing is an excellent way to induce hypothermia.

Chimney sweep. If your home has a fireplace or wood burning stove, have your chimney checked. Creosote fires can start in a flash and carbon monoxide is a danger that many people still aren't taking seriously. Exercise caution with kerosene heaters and keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Thought for food. Stock your pantry with emergency rations now; your family will thank you later. Make sure your larder holds a good mix of high-energy foods that don't require heating or refrigeration. Dried fruits, canned goods, and candy bars are obvious candidates. Store a manual can-opener nearby.

A surprise snow storm which swept through Illinois Valley Electric Cooperative's territory in late October downed miles of line and left over 3,000 people without power. Fallen lines pose a potential shock hazard and should be avoided. If you find a fallen line, notify your cooperative. A crew will be dispatched to repair the damage.

Hard water. One of the more frustrating ironies of losing electricity in a rural area is that the very elements which knocked out your power — snow and ice — also may have cut off your water supply. Stock several jugs of bottled water beside your food rations. If you know a storm is coming, fill your bathtub. It makes a handy reservoir. If your pipes freeze, you may be able to thaw them with a hair drier after your power has been restored.

Baby talk. If you have an infant, be sure to stock an ample amount of baby food and toiletries along with your rations. Even after your power is restored your roads may be blocked, and it's amazing how quickly your supplies dwindle when reinforcements aren't available.

Easy off. If you're cooking when the power dies, turn off your stove and oven. If you happen to be asleep, away, or out of the kitchen when the power is restored, that dish you were preparing earlier in the day can easily overheat and catch fire.

On a lighter note. Stash a flashlight in every room of the house. If a storm is likely, place them out in the open. Keep fresh batteries in the lights and spares in storage. Candles and matches may also prove useful.

Stay tuned. Pop a few of those extra batteries into a radio and find a station that offers frequent weather reports. The information will let you plan accordingly.

An aspirin a day. If you're taking medication, make sure you have plenty on hand. Along the same lines, a well-stocked first aid kit may also come in handy.

Remember, winter weather is unpredictable. The same storm which dusts De Pue may bury Bourbonnais, dragging down power lines in the process. Don't assume that your neighbor is in the same situation you are. If it's safe to travel, one of you may be in a position to help the other. If the roads are treacherous, you're better off at home. Keep in touch with your neighbors, keep warm, and keep in mind that your cooperative is working hard to restore your electricity.

DECEMBER 1997 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING 19