Contact: Priscilla Knight, 703-392-1580, pknight@novec.com
MANASSAS, VIRGINIA – The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) has kept power flowing to its 135,000 customers 99.98 percent of the time in recent years, making it the most reliable electric utility in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, according to service reliability data filed with regulatory commissions. Nevertheless, NOVEC knows that winter ice and snow storms can disrupt power, as they have in Colorado and the Midwest in recent weeks.
The Co-op suggests customers prepare now for possible power outages, just in case Mother Nature unloads winter fury on Northern Virginia.
Contacting NOVEC
NOVEC’s state-of-the-art technology detects major power outages and many smaller ones. However, if their power is out, customers should always call NOVEC’s interactive voice response system (IVR) at 703-335-0500, or toll-free 1-888-335-0500. Follow the prompts. Instructions are in English and Spanish. Operations coordinators are on duty 24-hours a day.
Outage Updates
Customers can monitor their service restoration status in two ways. The IVR provides up-to-date information through the telephone. Alternatively, if customers have access to online computers, they can log on to www.novec.com to view the Home Page’s outage map for information about current outages and anticipated service restoration times. Tune into battery-operated radios; NOVEC provides regular updates to various stations.
Safety Tips
Stay away from downed power lines or trees lying on lines. Notify NOVEC immediately if you see a downed line. If NOVEC’s phones are busy, call 911.
Warning! Portable generators must be properly installed by an electrician outdoors, never inside a building or a closed garage. Generators can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide. Improper installation can destroy a home. And, excess generator electricity can backfeed into power lines and possibly electrocute linemen who are working to restore power. Log on to www.novec.com for important generator safety information.
Do not step into flooded or snow-filled areas where submerged outlets and cords may have energized the space. Electricity running through H2O is lethal.
Do not use soaked electrical appliances. Have them reconditioned by qualified repairmen or buy new ones.
All homes should have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to help prevent electrocution and shock. Portable GFCIs can be installed without tools and cost $12 to $30.
What to Have on Hand
In case of an extended outage, have the following items ready for use:
- Light source: flashlights and new batteries, candles and matches, oil lamps and oil.
- Non-refrigerated foods and liquids, such as peanut butter, bread, cereal, powdered milk, bottled water and canned goods, plus a manual can opener.
- Paper plates and plastic utensils.
- Fondue pot or chafing dish with canned fuel to heat food. Barbeque grills and camping stoves should only be used outdoors.
- Adequate water for flushing toilets, washing hands, etc.
- Liquid hand sanitizer.
- Firewood if you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove.
- Battery-operated radio and clock.
- Blankets, down comforters, sweaters. Layering helps retain body heat.
Extra Measures
- Open drapes and shades during the day to collect solar energy. Close them at night to trap heat indoors.
- Go in and out of the house infrequently to keep heat indoors.
- Keep the refrigerator closed. Food will last approximately one day, and frozen food up to two days. If power is out longer than that, put perishable food in a secure cooler and place it in the garage or on a porch if the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Frozen food will stay frozen if it is 32 degrees or below.
- If it is 32 degrees or below inside, water pipes can freeze. Let them drip until power is restored.
Medical Alert Customers
Notify NOVEC now, before storms arrive, of a family member who needs life support equipment. Contact Customer Service, 1-888-335-0500 or e-mail customerservice@novec.com.
This information does not place that person on a priority restoration list. But, it allows NOVEC to help families decide whether to relocate the person based on NOVEC’s estimated restoration time. All medical alert customers should have an emergency plan devised in case extended power outages occur.
