Blue Ridge Electric Prepares 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 (February 14, 2003) – With Valentine’s Day predictions calling for one of the most severe ice storms in recent history to begin soon, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation employees are on high alert status.

As Blue Ridge Electric dispatchers closely monitor weather conditions, linemen and technical crews are topping off fuel supplies and double-checking severe weather gear such as chainsaws, chains for tires and outage restoration equipment. Customer service personnel are also are preparing to respond to member calls in the event of possible outages that can be caused by ice weighting down lines or bringing down trees onto lines and poles.

If members experience an outage, report it by contacting their local Blue Ridge Electric office or by calling Powerline—the cooperative’s automated outage reporting system—at 1-800-448-2383. The local numbers for Blue Ridge Electric are: Watauga County: 264-8894; Caldwell County: 754-9071; Ashe County: 264-7138; Alleghany County: 372-4646, and Wilkes County: 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:

(1) Keep away from the line and anything it touches.

(2) Send for help by calling your local Blue Ridge Electric office
or 911.

(3) Stand guard, if possible, to keep others away from danger.

Following these guidelines may save a life.

Be Prepared

To be as comfortable and safe as possible in the event of an outage, members should make the following preparations:

If you’re served by well water, fill the bathtub with water you can use during the outage.
Have a battery-operated radio and flashlights on hand. Make sure you have a fresh supply of batteries. You may also want to have candles and matches or oil lanterns with extra oil on hand to use as 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 for added warmth. Layering clothes will also help you feel warmer.
Keep on hand a good supply of drinking water and food that doesn’t require cooking or refrigeration.
Have a manual can opener nearby.
If you have a baby, keep extra diapers, formula and other supplies.

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

Blue Ridge Electric serves more than 65,000 consumers in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany counties as well as parts of Wilkes and Alexander counties. Its subsidiary, Blue Ridge Energies, provides propane and home heating fuels from offices in Lenoir, Boone, West Jefferson, Sparta and Catawba counties.