North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are monitoring conditions and stand ready to respond if power outages occur as a result of Tropical Storm Ian, which is forecast to bring rainfall to much of the state, as well as the potential for wind and flooding.
While impacts from the storm are uncertain, gusty winds can bring trees and limbs in contact with power lines, a leading cause of outages during storms.
“Crews and all cooperative power restoration personnel are prepared to respond quickly and safely should outages occur,” said Lindsey Davis, communications manager for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “We encourage all of our members to take steps before the storm arrives to prepare and stay safe from any potential impacts.”
Now is the time to prepare an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food and bottled water, a flashlight, radio, batteries and any other necessary items. Charge your cell phone to stay informed about emergency and safety reports in the event of a power outage. Connect with your electric cooperative online for the latest updates on outages and local impacts.
If outages occur, electric cooperative line crews will begin working as soon as it is safe to restore service. Because cooperatives are locally based, crews are in place and can respond quickly.
Always stay far away from downed or sagging power lines, and report them to your cooperative. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and do not attempt to drive through floodwater.
Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.
North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives collectively serve approximately 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties. For more information, visit ncelectriccooperatives.com.