Military Personnel at Fort Riley, Kansas Lose Power

Fort Riley, Kansas was preparing for the return of a battalion of soldiers on December 10, when the news focus turned from reunion to weather. An ice storm headed toward the Midwest was predicted to be severe. Living up to its forecast Monday night into Tuesday morning, freezing rain fell. While slick roads caused some trouble, most of the difficulties were due to power outages.

As ice accumulated on power lines and trees, many power lines were damaged resulting in a large power outage. 8000 residents of Fort Riley were affected by this outage. Fort Riley Public Works began efforts to restore power immediately following the storm. Trees had to be trimmed prior to any work on the electrical lines. Progress was being made, and by Thursday December 13, most of the power was restored per the First Infantry Division News Website. A second winter storm came through the area and dropped several inches of snow on the ground Friday night, which slowed restoration efforts.

Fort Riley closed to all but essential personnel for part of the week when power was out due to damage from the ice. Most offices on post were closed and much of the military housing was without power. Shelters were established to aid those families without power. However, many families still struggled due to the closure of the Post Exchange, post child care facilities and area schools.

As of Monday, December 17 most of the power has been restored with only secondary outages according to the First Infantry Division News Website. The shelters have been closed. Although power has been restored on post, a few families living off post have not had power restored these few residents without power are being housed in local hotels and in the barracks. Only the Post Exchange remained without power on Monday. Crews continued to work on this situation. All training facilities were back up and running normally.

Residents back at home are now assessing the damages and are able to make claims on damages caused by the storm. They will contact military housing contractor, private renters insurance, then possibly the army to cover costs of food spoilage and damages to private property.

Picerne Military Housing, the contractor in charge of housing, has issued some tips and a checklist to ensure a safe return of families. Residents are asked to check their circuit breakers and electrical outlets to be sure they are working properly and to report any odor of gas. People should check for leaks near windows and in the roof, as well. Families are reminded to supervise children closely outside due to the dangers of debris hidden under the snow.

The focus of Fort Riley Public Works has shifted to clean-up mode. The post has a goal of completing cleanup by December 21. The storm covered yards, parks and playgrounds with debris. Soldiers that are not deployed are finding themselves on crews assigned to clear debris away from specific areas. The sound of chainsaws running is music to residents' ears. After enduring days without power and difficulty navigating the maze of downed trees, life is returning to normal.

Source: 1st Infantry Division News