Raleigh, N.C. —North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are on standby and are ready to restore power as quickly as possible if outages should occur as a result of the forecasted winter precipitation.
“The state’s electric cooperatives are carefully monitoring this winter weather system and are prepared for possible power outages,” said Jane Pritchard, director of corporate communications for the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives. Power outages can occur when ice accumulates on power lines or when tree branches break onto lines.
Because North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are located in the communities they serve, restoration crews are always on-site and can begin work immediately.
Consumers should be vigilant about downed power lines. If you see a line lying on the ground, assume it is energized and deadly. Steer clear and do not drive over it. Call your electric cooperative or 911 to report the situation.
You can prepare for this winter weather event by making sure you have a way to stay warm if the power does go out. Dress in layers and make an emergency kit that includes the following items: extra blankets, flashlights, batteries, a battery-operated radio, first aid kit, manual can opener, canned food and bottled water. {Video tip here.}
Electric cooperative members are asked to call their cooperative directly if they experience a disruption in power. For a complete list of phone numbers to report outages and a list of counties served by each co-op, refer to http://ncelectriccooperatives.com/storm/outages.htm.
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide energy to 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties.