Contact: NOVEC Public Relations, 1-888-335-0500, customerservice@novec.com
MANASSAS, Va., Oct. 2, 2015 — Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative is prepared for the nor'easter and possible power outages caused by heavy rain and gusty winds this weekend. NOVEC urges customers to also be prepared.
"We've had a lot of heavy rain this week," says Larry Shaffer, Electric System Operations vice president. "With the ground as soaked as it is, all we need is some gusty winds to cause trees and branches to fall on power lines and knock out service. Although weather forecasters are now predicting that Hurricane Joaquin's eye will stay east of the United States, its additional rain could complicate matters as it travels north."
Shaffer says NOVEC's line technicians, contract linemen, damage assessors, tree crews, materials management personnel, and control center operators will be ready all weekend to respond to power outages.
"All employees are on alert, and our utility trucks are ready to roll," Shaffer notes.
Customers should prepare for possible power outages
NOVEC urges customers to review their own storm-preparation plans to be ready for power loss. Customers should make sure the Co-op has their current phone numbers.
"Having a customer's correct phone numbers will expedite outage reporting and power restoration," Shaffer explains. "A customer can call us at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500 to associate up to two phone numbers with his or her account."
Shaffer says customers should report outages at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500. He says, "NOVEC's interactive automated reporting system is the fastest way to insure an outage is reported."
Customers can also
report outages on NOVEC's website, www.novec.com, or through its smartphone app or text-message system. (Please note, the NOVEC's smartphone app is
currently not compatible with Apple's updated software, iOS 9. Updates are
being made to ensure compatibility in the future.)
Shaffer reminds
customers not to post outage information on social media because those
platforms are not connected to the System Operations Center.
Storm Preparation Reminders
- Designate the safest shelter location. Be prepared to
leave a mobile home for better protection. Develop a plan for someone
disabled.
- Have an
emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, flashlights, fresh batteries, battery-operated
radio, lanterns, canned fuel, matches, and first aid. If applicable, have enough
prescription drugs, pet food, and baby-care items.
- Have
identification and documentation ready to grab. Keep Social Security
information;birth certificates;home, car, and life insurance files;and other
important documents in a water-proof file box.
- Cordless phones do
not work when power is out;keep cell phones charged.
- Make sure NOVEC has your current phone
number to expedite outage reporting and restoration. Associate up to two
phone numbers with your account.
- Before a storm
hits, unplug TVs, DVD/ VCR players, microwave oven, and computers to protect
them from power surges and lightning strikes.
- Call NOVEC at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500, or
report the outage online at www.novec.com if you have access. Report via text message or on NOVEC's smartphone app. The
Outage Center will provide updates that can be accessed by phone, text, or
on the web.
- Only open freezers and refrigerators when necessary.
- Use portable generators, camp stoves, or grills outdoors
to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Alternatively, heat food in a chafing
dish or fondue pot over canned fuel.
"If you see downed power lines and poles, stay at least 30 feet away!" Shaffer warns. "Water on the ground —even damp pavement —could conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with it. Debris could be energized and deadly. If you see a down line, call NOVEC and 911 immediately!"
Learn more about safety during storms on NOVEC's website.
