Contact: Priscilla Knight, 703-392-1580, pknight@novec.com
NORTHERN VIRGINIA – The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative is preparing for possible electric outages that may result from snow forecasted to begin falling on Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, and is asking customer-owners to also prepare.
“With the forecast of one to two feet of snow, we’re preparing for the worst,” says Allen Barbee, vice president, Electric System Operations. “Our crews are ready to restore power in the six counties NOVEC serves in case outages occur. Trees and branches loaded with snow can fall on power lines and knock out electric service. Trees that fell during the Dec. 18 and 19 snow storm caused outages, but this new storm could cause even more damage to trees and wires because the snow is expected to be heavier.”
Contact NOVEC if an Outage Occurs
If a customer loses power, Barbee says he or she should call NOVEC’s interactive voice response system (IVR) at 703-335-0500, or toll-free 1-888-335-0500 and follow the prompts. Instructions are in English and Spanish. Operations coordinators will be on duty 24-hours a day.
Customers should make sure NOVEC has their current phone numbers because NOVEC’s outage system uses caller ID to expedite the outage reporting and restoration process. Barbee says, “To report a new or changed number, a customer should have his or her account number handy, call NOVEC and follow the prompts to verify or update a phone number.”
Outage Updates
Customers can monitor their service restoration status by calling the IVR. If they have access to online computers, they can view the outage map on the Home Page of www.novec.com.
Outage Preparation and Safety
- Cordless phones do not work when power is out; charge cell phones in advance of the storm.
- 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.
- People should stay away from downed power lines or trees lying on lines.They should notify NOVEC immediately if they see a downed line. If NOVEC’s phones are busy, they should 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.
- People should not use candles, but if they do, they should watch them and keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials.
- People should not step into flooded or snow-filled areas where submerged outlets and cords may have energized the space. Electricity running through water is lethal. All homes should have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to help prevent electrocution and shock. Portable GFCIs can be installed without tools. They cost $12 to $30.
Extra Measures on Cold Days
- 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.
