Be Ready for Winter Weather

Winter along Montana’s Hi-Line is never predictable, but one thing is certain: it’s coming. At Hill County Electric, safety is always our top priority. While our system is built to be reliable, Mother Nature can still throw challenges our way. Heavy snow, ice, and extreme cold can lead to downed power lines and outages. When that happens, you can count on HCE’s crews to respond as quickly, and safely, as possible.

To help you and your family stay safe and comfortable during the season, here are a few steps you can take before winter storms arrive:

Keep Warm Safely
Have an alternate heat source available in case of an outage. Wood burning fireplaces are a great option, provided chimneys are properly maintained and an adequate supply of dry wood is on hand.

Stock Up in Advance
It’s wise to keep several days’ worth of food on hand that doesn’t require cooking, items like canned goods, cereal, bread, crackers, and peanut butter are all good choices. The CDC also recommends storing at least five gallons of water per person in case of an extended outage.

Put Safety First
If a storm hits, avoid unnecessary travel. If you must drive, bring a survival kit and don’t travel alone. Always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous - stay far away and report them immediately. If you see a downed line, please report as soon as possible.

Be Storm-Ready with Backup Power
For members who want added peace of mind, HCE offers Generac generators through our Havre warehouse. Our Master Electrician is available to handle installation as well. To learn more or to place an order, stop by or call the HCE warehouse at 406-394-7804.