Like a Hurricane
Linemen, as awesome as any Category 5 storm, always hit back hard.
Posted August 1, 2017
As we head into the heart of hurricane season, rest assured that Palmetto Electric always does our best to prepare for the worst.
When a storm starts brewing anywhere that could affect Palmetto’s service area, we go on high alert. Line crews are immediately mobilized when power goes out. In fact, I’d compare our linemen to a Category 5 hurricane: When a big storm hits, they hit back just as hard. They’re chomping at the bit to storm out and get your lights back on.
It is hard to believe we are in the middle of another hurricane season. Many of our friends and neighbors have just recovered or continue to recover from Hurricane Matthew. As it showed last fall, it only takes one storm to disrupt our lives. Your co-op is prepared and we want our members to be ready, too. So we offer the following tips to ensure that you and your family stay as safe as possible, whether you remain here or need to evacuate:
- Have an emergency plan in place: In case of evacuation, fill your gas tank and withdraw cash from automatic teller machines. Make arrangements for your pets and be sure your entire family is aware of the evacuation plan.
- Prepare your home: Disconnect electronic equipment such as TVs and computers to avoid voltage sags/surges, trim any weak limbs or shrubs that may cause damage to your home, and board windows if necessary.
- Have an emergency supply kit ready: Bottled water, non-perishable food items and flashlights with extra batteries are just a few things you’ll need. Check the American Red Cross website, redcross.org, for more tips on what to include in your kit.
- Keep a list of contact information: Emergency management services, county law enforcement, local fire/rescue and utility providers (such as Palmetto Electric) are good to have on hand. To report power outages, call PowerTouch at 1-866-445-5551. Or log on to My Energy Online, either at palmetto.coop or with the My Energy Online app. Stay tuned in to local TV and radio stations, as well as our Facebook page for developing information.
- Do not return home until the area is declared safe. Stay clear of fallen utility lines. Avoid tree limbs and debris that could hide fallen lines. If you see a line down, call 1-800-922-5551 or 911 immediately.
We appreciate your patience during service interruptions. Rest assured that our line crews – in fact, all Palmetto employees — are storm-tested and restoration-ready. We will do whatever it takes to get your lights back on as quickly as possible.
Palmetto Electric Storm Resources