By ELLIS GOODWIN

Staff Writer



While still handicapped by the ice storm that struck and stuck last Thursday, the Chickasha area is on its way to recovery, Grady County officials said early Monday.

At one point last week, nearly 20,000 Grady County customers were without power, Public Service of Oklahoma estimated. But, as of Monday, that number had been cut in half and continued to decrease.

A report from the state office of emergency management showed as of Monday afternoon 8,993 customers were without power in the Chickasha area.

Warmer temperatures are expected this week, which should loosen the icy grip felt by many in the area.

Local officials said power should be restored to most Grady County residents by the end of the week.

"It's anticipated that all power in Chickasha could be restored by the end of the day Wednesday," said Steve Chapman, Chickasha Emergency Management director.

Alex had power restored Sunday evening, but it was lost again on Monday morning.

PSO teams could be seen working to fix outages in Chickasha. Downed transmission lines caused the majority of outages, and even after a transition line is fixed, customers could be without power if many individual lines are down outside the houses, PSO spokeswoman Donna Satterless said.

Satterless said no one should go near fallen power lines. The ground surrounding the wire, as well as the wire itself, can be charged with a potentially lethal amount of electricity.

Statewide, the storm claimed seven lives.

Meanwhile, highways and main city and county streets have been cleared, but most side streets are still treacherous. Dale Thompson, emergency management director for Grady County, said his department has received a lot of calls, but most citizens are not reporting emergencies.

They just want to know when their roads will be cleared, but Thompson said that will not happen until warmer temperatures melt the ice.

"We don't have the salt," Thompson said. "If you don't have to get out, don't get out."

For those still without electricity, a warming shelter is available at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Nearly 70 people stayed there over the weekend – but that number has dwindled to less than 20.

Chickasha Public School will be closed again today.

The number of trees fallen by the ice storm is enormous, prompting the city require anyone removing tree limbs or working on trees to obtain a license.

Also, the city public works department will be open for residents to dispose of limbs from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Companies charging residents for disposal of limbs have to use the city landfill near Alex.

In other storm developments:

• At least 465 slip and fall injuries have been reported statewide. Weather forecasts indicate a repeated thaw and freeze cycle this week that will result in ice and slick areas.

The OSDH also reports 101 injuries from motor vehicle accidents, and 9 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning related to the storm.

The OSDH urges those who are using portable generators to make certain they are not placed for use indoors or in garages, basements or sheds. Generators should be placed well away -- at least 25 feet -- from windows, doors, vents or any other opening. Some persons may be tempted to use charcoal grills, camp stoves or other gasoline/charcoal burning devices indoors during a power outage. These alternative fuel sources can also produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Oklahoma's price gouging statute is in effect in all of Oklahoma's 77 counties due to the State of Emergency. The price gouging statute prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent in the price of most goods and services when a State of Emergency has been declared. Anyone who suspects price gouging is urged to contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at (405) 521-2029.

• Temperatures will warm into the 40s on Tuesday which will allow some of the ice to melt in southwest and south central areas of the state. Rain is still expected Wednesday through Friday across southern Oklahoma however, it won't rain all the time. For Oklahoma residents seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information, please contact your local 2-1-1. Services are available 24 hours a day by dialing 2-1-1 from your home or cellular telephone. 2-1-1 is a statewide service. Please only call 911 for emergencies.









STORM UPDATES

• As of early Monday, 8,993 PSO customers in the Chickasha area were without power.



• Chickasha Public Schools will remain closed Tuesday.



• The city public works department will be open for residents to dispose of limbs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Companies charging residents for disposal of limbs have to use the city landfill near Alex.