Blue Ridge Electric Prepared for 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 26, 2004) – Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation employees are on “stand by status” in the event outages begin occurring due to the snowstorm currently spreading across the foothills and high country.
If In the event of outages, members may quickly report individual outages through the cooperative’s automated phone attendant called “PowerLine”, at 1-800-448-2383. Or, they may call their local Blue Ridge Electric office in: Watauga County: 264-8894; Caldwell County: 754-9071; Ashe County: 246-7138; and Alleghany County: 372-4646, and in Wilkes: 838-4655.
The cooperative is also double-checking equipment and supplies that enable them to restore power as quickly as possible in the event of outages.
Blue Ridge Electric also offers the following safety tips to be prepared for possible outages or weather related system damage:
Stay away from downed or dangling power lines. Assume that any line is conducting electricity and is dangerous. Stay away from downed power lines and contact Blue Ridge Electric immediately if you see a downed power line. Keep others away from downed lines if possible.
Keep the following supplies on hand for your convenience and safety:
- Fresh batteries
- Battery operated radio for the latest weather and
restoration updates - Flashlights
- Water for drinking and cooking.
- Nonperishable food items
- Manual can opener
- Wind-up or battery operated clock
- Extra blankets, sleeping bags, quilts
- Grill (along with extra charcoal and lighter, or
propane) - Thermos for keeping drinks and baby formula warm
- Paper plates, cups and utensils
- Baby items such as diapers and formula
Guard against spoiled food by refraining from opening your refrigerator or freezer door if the power goes off.
Prevent a hazardous situation by making sure your range and oven are off if the power is interrupted. Never use the oven or range as a substitute heater.
If you use a portable generator, prevent a hazardous situation by making sure generators are safely connected. Back-feed into the utility system from improperly installed generators can harm or even kill a line technician working on restoring power. Improperly installed generators can also damage appliances. Be sure a qualified, licensed electrician installs a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch to connect the generator to the electrical system as required by the National Electrical Code. Contact a licensed electrician for more information.
