The winter storm that began Sunday knocked out electricity for many Kentuckians – and restoring it in rural, hard-to-access areas is often a difficult task. Joe Arnold is the vice president of strategic communications for the Kentucky Electric Cooperatives Association, which represents 26 co-ops serving about 1-point-8 million people. “You tack on ice and snow on top of an area that might be difficult to reach, crossing a stream or going up a mountain or through wooded land. That’s just a complicating factor.” Arnold stressed patience – and caution when around downed power lines or those touching a tree or tree limb. Proper use of generators can be a matter of life and death, he said. “Generator safety is something that we preach all the time, making sure that you’re following your manufacturers recommendations. Actually read that booklet. Read that pamphlet, make sure it’s far enough away from your home, because that exhaust will get into your home and people will die every year.” According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 90 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by portable generators. ** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation. The post Kentucky Electric Coop members face extra challenges restoring power appeared first on The Lexington Times.