From REC FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Rappahannock Electric Cooperative Prepares for Severe Weather Fredericksburg – Rappahannock Electric Cooperative has been monitoring the threat of severe weather forecasted to affect our service area throughout today. The most potentially damaging aspect of today’s predicted storms are high winds that can cause trees and tree limbs to fall. REC crews are prepared to respond to any power outages that may result from today’s storms. “With the threat of high winds, we know that our distribution system could be impacted due to downed trees and tree limbs damaging power lines and power equipment,” said Billy Carter, director of operational and construction services with REC. “Our crews are prepared with the necessary equipment to make repairs as needed, and REC is prepared to implement actions for mutual aid crews to assist with restoration work if damage is widespread and we experience major power outages.” REC has a workforce of over a hundred linemen, as well as right-of-way contract crews. With field forces already in place, REC will support members by fully staffing the Cooperative’s call center around the clock until restoration efforts are complete, should outages occur. Maxie Rozell, REC’s manager of safety, security and risk management says, “As REC readies for possible power outages, members should also make preparations, having items like flashlights, batteries, a can opener and a battery-powered radio on hand. Safety is our top priority. We work hard to minimize safety risks for our members and employees, and we encourage all members to take necessary steps to ensure their safety at home with the potential for power outages.” To report an outage, affected people with smart phones should go to the REC website at myrec.coop and log into Web Self-Service and go to the My Outage page. For those who prefer to phone in to report an outage, if they’re in the Blue Ridge area, call 540-622-2001; in the Bowling Green area, call 804-633-5011; in Culpeper, call 540-825-8373; in Fredericksburg, call 540-898-8500; or call toll-free: 1-800-552-3904. Please keep in mind during major outages phone volume increases dramatically. Please take advantage of using a smart phone and report outages online. Downed power lines are also extremely dangerous. If you see one, stay away and call law enforcement or REC immediately at 1-800-552-3904. If you’re using portable generators, do not connect them to home wiring systems or outlets. It could cause high voltage feedback on power lines that could severely injure workers trying to restore power. Plug lights or other needed appliances directly into the portable generator itself.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:44:01 +0000
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