Crews race to solve outages before storm

About 71,000 Tulsa metro-area homes and businesses remained powerless Friday night, but utility officials expect to cut that number significantly by Saturday morning.

"We are working as fast as humanly possible," said Preston Kissman, American Electric Power-Public Service Company of Oklahoma vice president of distribution.

After the ice storm that hit Sunday, there were as many as 246,000 outages in the Tulsa area and more than 600,000 statewide in what has been called the largest blackout in Oklahoma history.

Most PSO customers should have their service returned by early next week, Kissman said.

But many customers will still have to hire a licensed electrician to fix their damaged meter before electricity can be restored, he said.

With up to 3 inches of snow expected this weekend, Kissman said linemen and tree cutters, many of whom have come here from out of state, are dedicated to working through it.

"They are tough individuals who want to see this community back on its feet," he said.

Mayor Kathy Taylor praised the company's efforts to bring the city out of the darkness.

"This has disrupted everyone's lives," she said. "We're all ready for it to be over, and we believe that will be the case very soon."

Oklahoma Gas & Electric is still reporting about 135,000 outages, with the vast majority in the Oklahoma City metro

First District U.S. Rep. John Sullivan drove a Federal Emergency Management Agency representative around Friday to look at the damage in Tulsa.

"This is a very challenging time right now for everyone," said Sullivan, whose residence is still without power.

Officials at every level of government are conducting a damage assessment so the state can seek a major-disaster declaration from President Bush.

Such a declaration would make the state, counties and cities eligible for reimbursement for a portion of the storm response and infrastructure damage.

It also would help uninsured residents and businesses by providing grants for temporary housing and repairs and low-interest loans to help cover storm losses.

Gov. Brad Henry's spokesman Paul Sund said the initial declaration request, which will cover the hardest-hit areas, including Tulsa and Oklahoma City, might be made Saturday.

It can be updated as damage assessments continues.

Sullivan has pledged to do what he can to see that the declaration is approved.

"I will go to the White House to talk to the president about what has happened here," he said. "I'm going to push as hard as I can because this has certainly been devastating."

FEMA official Brenda McDougall encouraged residents to keep a record of their storm expenses and losses so they can take advantage of any federal aid that is approved.

"Document absolutely everything," she said. "Keep your receipts. Take pictures. Tell us your story as you get on your road to recovery."

Those with storm damage are asked to call the Oklahoma Damage Assessment Hotline at (866) 560-7584.

The storm is blamed for about two dozen deaths statewide.

Many of the victims died in fires or from carbon monoxide poisoning while using alternative sources for heat.

Tulsa Fire Capt. Larry Bowles said that between Sunday night and Friday morning, the city had 218 structural fires. A normal year has about 700.

"It's been an ongoing issue for us this week," he said.

People are urged to go to one of the 22 area American Red Cross shelters established rather than trying to stay warm with candles, stoves and fireplaces, Bowles said.

Red Cross spokeswoman Nellie Kelly said the shelters will be open at least through the weekend's wintry weather.

"We will be available until there is no longer a need out there," she said.

Police Chief Ron Palmer said the number of burglaries is diminishing as power is restored to more of the city.

However, because there are still a number of intersections without lights, aggressive driving is becoming common, he said.

"I know people are fed up with all of the stops, but don't blow through those intersections because someone else might be doing it on the other side," the chief said.

Palmer also warned of tree removal and cleanup scams. He urged people to only hire bonded, professional firms, not individuals who demand money up front to do the work.

Public Works officials said crews are beginning to pick up tree limbs that have been left at the curbside by homeowners.

"We're making good headway, but we're looking at using contractors to expand our efforts because if we have to rely solely on city employees, it will take two or three months," said Dan Crossland, Public Works Department deputy director of public facilities.

To schedule tree debris collection, call the Mayor's Action Center at 596-2100.

Broken tree limbs also can be taken to one of two city greenwaste sites. They are at 1040 E. 56th St. North and on West 71st Street east of Elwood Avenue.

Brian Barber 581-8322
brian.barber@tulsaworld.com

Ice storm response

71,000 outages remaining

246,000 outages at peak

2,400 utility linemen working

2,200 tree cutters working

1,860 people registered at Red Cross shelters

30,180 meals and snacks served by the Red Cross

218 structural fires from Sunday night to Friday morning

23 confirmed storm-related deaths

15,501 Tulsa residential and commercial structures impacted

15,000 trees on public properties damaged

Tulsa-area forecast

Saturday: A winter weather advisory in effect until 6 p.m. Snow — with accumulations up to 3 inches. Highs near freezing.

Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

Monday: Highs in the upper 40s.

Tuesday: Lower 50s.

Outages

Customers without power as of Friday night:

Tulsa metro (includes Broken Arrow, Sand Springs and Owasso): 71,000

Oklahoma City metro: 121,195

Bartlesville: 1,000 (includes Nowata, Oologah and Ramona)

Bixby: 558

Bristow: 2,049

Chouteau: 360

Sapulpa: 6,994

Vinita: 3,800 (includes Chelsea)

Craig, Delaware, Mayes and Ottawa counties: 4,500

Source: Utilities, Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management