Blue Ridge Electric: Be Prepared
For Immediate Release
Contact: Renee Whitener, Director of Public Relations, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, (828) 758-2383 ext. 3213; Pager: 1-800-471-1323; or E-mail: Renee Whitener
Lenoir, North Carolina (December 12, 2005) – Although Blue Ridge Electric works hard to keep the power on for its members, severe weather conditions such as ice, heavy snow or high winds can lead to power outages.
Should a power outage occur, the fastest way to report an outage to Blue Ridge Electric is through the cooperative’s automated account information and outage reporting line, called Powerline, at 1-800-448-2383.
The cooperative’s work management center is staffed around the clock. In the event of severe weather, employees are also placed on high alert in order to be able to respond quickly to possible power restoration needs of members.
If a power outage occurs, you can keep safe and comfortable in the event of a power outage, the cooperative recommends having the following emergency supplies on hand in a convenient location:
- Flashlight with fresh batteries
- Radio with fresh batteries (to listen to weather updates and local news for outage restoration efforts)
- Charcoal or propane grill with charcoal and lighter or a supply of propane
- Non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- Blankets, sleeping bags, quilts
- Oil lamps and extra oil
- Wind-up or battery operated clock
- Paper plates and plastic utensils
- Gallon jugs filled with water for drinking and cooking
- Formula and extra diapers for babies
- Thermos for keeping drinks and baby formula warm
In addition, those experiencing a power outage for extended periods should keep blankets over freezers and refrigerators to help insulate them. Guard against spoiled food by opening refrigerators as infrequently as possible.
Blue Ridge Electric offers the following additional safety tips to follow during severe weather or power outages:
Stay away from downed or dangling power lines. Assume that any line is conducting electricity and therefore 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. Never drive a car over a downed power line.
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.
For more tips, visit www.BlueRidgeEMC.com.
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