NOAA recently predicted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, with three to six major hurricanes in this year’s forecast.
Roanoke Electric Co-op officials are now emphasizing the importance of having hurricane preparedness plans in place. North Carolina sits on the Atlantic coast, and when hurricanes hit this region, they often bring with them flooding, power loss and wind-damage.
“As always, the co-op is well-prepared to respond in the event that severe weather disrupts power in our service territory,” said Glenn Brown, the co-op’s safety coordinator. “We want to encourage our member-owners to be prepared as well, to help ensure their personal safety and minimize damage to their homes”
To prepare, the co-op is offering the following recommendations:
- Online a communications and evacuation plan for your family before a hurricane or storm warning is issued to minimize confusion and fear. If you have pets or livestock, include them in your plan.
- Follow our social media channels to stay informed about weather, outages, and other information.
- Bookmark our live online outage map to find real-time outage information: http://outage.roanokeelectric.com/#viewer-menu-parent
- Sign up for local weather alerts and warnings.
- Create an emergency kit that includes the following:
- Important documents sealed in a watertight plastic bag
- Cash
- Three days’ worth of non-perishable food, water, and medication
- First-aid kit
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Personal hygiene items
- Extra clothes and blankets
- Food and other supplies for pets
In the event of a power interruption, member-owners should report outages by calling 1-800-358-9437.