NOVEC prepares for possible power outages on Thursday

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative is monitoring weather forecasts and preparing for possible storm damage and power outages on Thursday, June 13. NOVEC urges customers to prepare now.

“We’re following forecasts and preparing for the worst,” explains Dan Swingle, manager of NOVEC’s System Operations Center. “Right now the ground is soaked after days of pouring rain. Trees could fall and cause outages if we receive strong winds.”

Swingle says NOVEC has placed tree and power line crews on standby. Crew members are fueling their trucks and chainsaws. Warehouse personnel are making sure equipment and materials, such as replacement utility poles, are ready for pickup.

Swingle says customers should review their own storm-preparation plans to be ready for high winds, intense rainfall, and the loss of power. “Make sure NOVEC has your current phone number. Correct numbers expedite outage reporting and power restoration. If you use a cellphone, call us at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500 to associate your number with your account.”

NOVEC customers should report outages by phone, but they can get updates and information on the Co-op’s mobile website, http://www.novec.com/mobile or wi,th NOVEC’s new smartphone application, available at http://www.novec.com/contact_us/apps.cfm  .

“Customers can follow what’s happening on Facebook and Twitter,” notes Swingle, “but they should not report outages via social media. Call us instead.”

Prepare for Possible Power Outages

Have an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, flashlights, fresh batteries, battery-operated radio, lanterns, canned fuel, matches, and first aid. If applicable, have enough prescription drugs, pet food, and baby-care items.

Have identification and documentation ready to grab if there’s flooding. Keep Social Security information; birth certificates; home, car, and life insurance files; and other important documents in a water-proof file box.

Cordless phones do not work when power is out; keep cell phones charged.

If there’s time before a storm hits, unplug TVs, DVD/ VCR players, microwave oven, and computers to protect them from power surges and lightning strikes.

Develop a plan for someone disabled or in need of special medical care.

What to do if Power Goes Out

Call NOVEC at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500, or report the outage online at http://www.novec.com if you have access. The Outage Center will provide updates.

Only open freezers and refrigerators when necessary.

Use portable generators, camp stoves, or grills outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Alternatively, heat food in a chafing dish or fondue pot over canned fuel.
Warning!

If anyone sees downed power lines and poles, STAY AWAY! Water on the ground (even damp pavement) and debris near power lines could be energized and deadly. Notify NOVEC immediately at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500.