Contact: Priscilla Knight, 703-392-1580, pknight@novec.com
Customers Urged to Prepare for Possible Power Outages
NORTHERN VIRGINIA—The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative implemented its storm preparation procedures today in case Hurricane Hanna and other brewing storms cause power outages for NOVEC customers in six Northern Virginia counties in the next few days or week.
“We have been monitoring weather forecasts and weather satellite information all week to try to determine Hanna’s strength and path,” says Allan Barbee, vice president, electric system operations. “Our staff and crews are on alert to restore power as quickly as possible if storms knock out power.”
NOVEC urges area residents to prepare for possible outages now and know what to do if outages occur.
Preparing for Storms and Hurricanes:
- Post NOVEC’s telephone number—703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500—in an easy-to-find place.
- Make sure NOVEC has your current phone number. NOVEC’s outage system uses caller ID to expedite the outage reporting and restoration process. To report a new or changed number, have your account number handy and call the NOVEC numbers above. Follow the prompts to verify or update a phone number.
- Make a plan now for your pets if you need to evacuate.
- Have flashlights, battery-powered lanterns and other light sources ready, and have fresh, extra batteries on hand.
- Use a NOAA weather radio or other battery-powered radio for information.
- Have enough medicine, first aid supplies and baby care items. If prescriptions are essential, get them refilled. Click on the National Hurricane Center’s Disaster Supply Kit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml.
- Have identification and documentation on hand: Social Security card; driver’s license; birth certificate; and home, car, and life insurance information. Keep them and other important documents in a water-proof file box.
- Cordless phones do not work when power is out. Have a corded phone or make sure cell phones are charged.
- Have plenty of cash, because ATM machines will not work without power.
- Make sure children know how and when to call 911.
- Cut dead branches off trees near your house. Be careful not to come in contact with power lines.
Before an Imminent Storm or Hurricane:
- Get inside a building and stay away from windows.
- Turn off heating and air conditioning systems and electric ranges.
- Unplug sensitive electronic equipment such as TVs, DVD/ VCR players, microwave ovens and computers to protect them from surges and fluctuations that may occur during the storm and when power is restored. After power is restored, wait five to ten minutes before turning on appliances and heating/cooling systems.
If Power Goes Out
- Call NOVEC at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500 to report the outage. If you have access to the Internet, visit www.novec.com and click on the outage map for up-to-date information.
- Stay away from downed power lines and poles and the area around them. They may be energized and dangerous. Storm debris can hide a downed power line, which can energize anything that comes in contact with it, such as metal fences, bicycles, or standing water. Stay away and notify NOVEC immediately.
- Do not use candles, but if you do, watch them. Keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials.
- Open freezers and refrigerators only when necessary.
- Only run a portable generator, or use a camp stove or charcoal grill outdoors to avoid deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
