Contact: NOVEC Public Relations, 1-888-335-0500, customerservice@novec.com
MANASSAS, VA. — The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative is preparing for sleet and snow that weather forecasters say could reach Northern Virginia on Sunday, December 8.
"Wet snow and ice are the worst for power lines and trees, but we'll be ready for them," says Larry Shaffer, vice president, System Operations. "All NOVEC and contract crews are preparing to work around the clock to restore electric service if the storm causes trees and branches to fall on power lines and knock out power."
Shaffer says crews are fueling utility trucks and loading them with extra equipment. Damage assessors are preparing to work with tree crews to locate trees and branches that fall on power lines. And NOVEC's System Operations Center will have all hands on deck.
Shaffer warns customers to never go anywhere near a downed power line. "If you see a line that's down, assume it's energized and deadly. Keep others far away and report it to us immediately at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500."
Prepare Now for Possible Power Outages
· Customers should provide NOVEC with current phone numbers to expedite outage reporting and power restoration. Customers who use cellphones and have not registered their numbers should call 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500 to associate their numbers with their accounts.
· Charge cellphones; cordless phones don't work when power is out. Develop a plan for elderly or disabled family members.
· Have an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, flashlights with fresh batteries, battery-operated radio, lanterns, canned fuel, matches, manual can opener, and first aid. If applicable, have enough prescription drugs, pet food, and baby-care items.
. Stock up on firewood for a wood-burning fireplace or stove. Cover wood with a tarp or stack some in a carport to keep it dry. Fill the freezer with ice and have a cooler ready for refrigerated foods.
What to Do If Power Goes Out
"If a customer loses power, he or she should call NOVEC to report it," instructs Shaffer. "Customer service representatives may answer the phone, but our automated interactive voice response system works faster because it sends us a message immediately and it will provide updates."
Customers with access to the Internet can report outages at www.novec.com on computers and www.novec.com/mobile on smartphones. They can also use NOVEC's smartphone application available at http://www.novec.com/contact_us/apps.cfm.
Shaffer advises customers to:
. Open freezers and refrigerators only when necessary.
. Open exterior doors only when necessary.
. Run portable generators, camp stoves, or grills only outdoors to avoid carbon- monoxide poisoning.
