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Sweet summertime. The warm weather makes us eager to plan cookouts with friends and family and afternoons on the water. But at a power company, we also know the warm summer weather brings the potential for power outages through thunderstorms and hurricanes. Tri-County EMC employees stand ready to respond should these power outages occur. When major storms knock out power, our line crews take all necessary safety precautions before they get to work on any downed lines. We encourage you to also practice safety and preparedness at home to protect your family during major storms and outages. On page 3, you’ll see a list of recommended items FEMA suggests to have on hand during storm season. We encourage you to make a plan for you and your family and visit www.ready.gov for additional resources.

HOW TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE:
• Online at tri-countyemc.com/report-an-outage.cms
• By Phone at 1.833.myTCEMC (1.833.698.2362),
• myTCEMC app
• Text “OUT” to 85700


BEFORE THE STORM:
• Stock your pantry with a three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries).
• Confirm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies including towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer.
• Ensure your First Aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages and other medical essentials, and make sure your prescriptions are current.
• Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and portable, battery-powered radio or TV.
• Organize emergency supplies so they are easily accessible in one location.

 

AFTER THE STORM:
• In the event of a prolonged power outage, turn off major appliances, TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert damage from a potential power surge, and will also help prevent overloading the circuits during power restoration. That said, do leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.
• If you plan to use a small generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely.
• Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for storm and emergency information. We also recommend following your local Emergency Management Agency on social media for local updates.
• Check www.tri-countyemc.com and Tri-County’s social media pages for updates on power outages and restoration progress.
• After the storm, avoid downed power lines and walking through flooded areas where power lines could be submerged. Allow ample room for utility crews to safely perform their jobs, including on your property. (82288001)

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