NC Electric Cooperatives Advise: What to Do When the Lights Go Out

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are reporting approximately 100,000 outages from Hurricane Irene, whose destructive winds and heavy rains lashed North Carolina this morning. As expected, these outages are primarily along the coast and east of I-95. Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are completely without power. As Hurricane Irene proceeds on its path, additional outages are likely.

As the storm departs, cooperative linemen and contractors from North Carolina and other states will immediately begin restoring service as quickly as possible. Here are some tips on what to do if there is a power outage in your area.

• Turn off every inside light except one.
• Raise your cooling system thermostat to 80 degrees or higher.
• If possible, turn off your electric water heater.
• Make sure your kitchen range and oven is off.
• Turn off as many appliances as possible.
• Avoid opening the freezer door. A full, freestanding freezer will keep food at freezing temperatures about 2 days; a half-full freezer about 1 day.
• Stay away from downed power lines, and call your local cooperative at once!
• Leave your porch light on. It will help utility workers gauge their progress in restoring power to your area.
• When the power comes back on, gradually switch on your appliances, lights and air conditioning.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives serve approximately 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties.