Blue Ridge Electric Prepared for Winter Storm

For Immediate Release

Contact: Renee Whitener, Director of Corporate Communications, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, (828) 758-2383 ext. 3213; Pager:1-800-471-1323; or E-mail: Renee Whitener

Lenoir, North Carolina (December 4, 2002) – With the largest winter storm in recent history predicted for Wednesday and Thursday in the mountains and foothills, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation is on high alert status.

Blue Ridge linemen and all employees are prepared to respond rapidly to potential outages that may be caused by damage to lines and poles from the predicted wintry mix of snow, ice and freezing rain. The not-for-profit electric cooperative serves some 64,000 members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes, and Alexander counties.

If members experience an outage, report it by contacting the local Blue Ridge Electric office or calling Powerline—the cooperative’s automated reporting system—at 1-800-448-2383. The local numbers for Blue Ridge Electric are:

Watauga County 828-264-8894
Caldwell County 828-754-9071
Ashe County 336-264-7138
Alleghany County 336-372-4646
Wilkes County 336-838-4655

Blue Ridge Electric also reminds the public that downed power lines can be dangerous or even deadly. If you see a power line lying on the ground, or if a tree falls on a line, STAY AWAY!! Always assume the line is energized. Follow these steps if you encounter a downed power line:

Keep away from the line and anything it touches.
Send for help by calling your local Blue Ridge Electric office or 911.
Stand guard, if possible, to keep others away from danger. Following these guidelines may save a life.

To be prepared in the event of an outage, members should take precautions now. Tips to remember include:

If extreme weather is predicted and you’re served by well water, fill the bathtub with water you can use during the outage.
Check the batteries in your flashlight and portable radio, and have a fresh supply of batteries on hand. You may also want to have candles and matches or battery powered or oil lanterns with extra oil on hand for emergency light sources.
If the power goes out, try to stay in one room and close off the rest of the house if you do not have an alternative heat source. If you have a propane or kerosene heater or a wood stove, keep extra fuel or wood supplies on hand. Remember to use fuel-burning heaters only in a well-ventilated area and according to manufacturers instructions. Always store fuel in cool, dry place—not in your home.
Have extra quilts, blankets or sleeping bags on hand.
Keep a supply of drinking water and food that doesn’t require cooking or refrigeration.
If you have a baby, keep extra diapers, formula and other supplies on hand.

For more winter weather preparedness tips, visit www.BlueRidgeEMC.com.