We’re Ready for Storm Season. Are You?

Posted: May 5, 2021 at 4:42 pm

From the desk of the CEO

Summer is here, and I welcome more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors like many of you. For me, summertime means more afternoons on the water and cooking out with family and friends.

But summer months also make conditions favorable for dangerous storms. Hurricane season officially kicks off on June 1. These powerful cyclones can severely impact our electrical system. But, PRECO has a proven recovery plan if hurricanes or summer storms occur.

When major storms knock out power, our line crews take all necessary precautions before working on downed lines. I encourage you also to practice safety and preparedness to protect your family during storms and outages.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends the items below as a starting point for storm preparedness. Visit www.ready.gov for more resources.

• Stock a three-day supply of non-perishable foods, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, water, and other essentials like diapers and toiletries.
• Gather hygiene supplies, including towelettes, soap, and hand sanitizer.
• Your First Aid kit should contain pain relievers, bandages, and other medical essentials. Don’t forget your prescription medicines.
• Set aside the basics, like flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener, and battery-powered radio or TV.
• Organize emergency supplies so they are easily accessible in one location.

For prolonged power outages, turn off major appliances, TVs, computers, and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert damage from a power surge and avoid overloading the circuits during power restoration. Leave one light on to alert you when power is restored. If you plan to use a small generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of energy you need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.

Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for storm and emergency information, and check our website, www.preco.coop, for important updates.

After the storm, avoid downed power lines and walking through flooded areas where power lines could be submerged. Allow ample space for utility crews to perform their jobs safely, including on your property.

Advance planning can reduce stress and anxiety in the aftermath of storms and hurricanes. At PRECO, we recommend that you act today because there is power in planning. From our co-op family to yours, we hope you have a safe and wonderful summer.

Randy Shaw