Line crews and restoration support personnel from North Carolina’s electric cooperatives stand ready to respond to any power outages caused by Tropical Storm Isaias, which is forecast to bring significant rain and gusty winds, a one-two punch that often topples trees and leads to power outages.

The cooperatives’ rigorous safety protocols will this year include new, pandemic-related measures to protect crews as they work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to cooperative members. These measures include health screenings, smaller groups with increased physical distancing, limited sharing of equipment, and stringent cleaning and disinfection practices.

These safety measures may increase outage response times, and electric cooperative members are encouraged to prepare now by following a few simple steps:

• Make a plan. This year, it is especially important to consider the safest place to stay if conditions create the need to evacuate your home. Follow these tips from Ready NC.
• Assemble an emergency kit. In addition to a supply of non-perishable food, water and medications, this year, kits should include face masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies.
• Charge your cell phone. This will allow you to stay connected to emergency and safety updates even if the power goes out.

Electric cooperatives are locally based, and crews will be dispatched as soon as conditions safely allow. Please keep a safe distance as crews make repairs.

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.