Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative activated Level Three of its Emergency Response Plan Wednesday, Oct. 10, as it prepares for and continues to monitor the storm and potential damage of Hurricane Michael Wednesday through Thursday morning.
The biggest impact is going to be from wind gusts over 25-30 mph in Carroll & Heard counties tonight and tomorrow. Power outages are anticipated and line personnel will be dispatched to restore power after the storms as soon as it is safe for them to do so.
“Safety is our company’s primary concern and always will be,” said Tommy Cook, Carroll EMC Construction Manager. “Our linemen understand that working around storms and high winds increases the danger they face. While restoring power quickly is a priority for us, it will never be more important than someone’s life.”
Carroll EMC is stocked with poles, wire, connectors, transformers and other supplies frequently used in the restoration process. Vendors have been contacted to be on standby in case additional materials are needed. Multiple crews from out-of-state cooperatives have been contracted and will be arriving to Carroll EMC headquarters. With triple our workforce, additional contracted crews and the maximum amount of material procured and staged around its 1,100 square-mile-territory, Carroll EMC is prepared for Hurricane Michael.
Carroll EMC wants its Members to consider these safety tips for the latest storm, Hurricane Michael.
Supplies:
Make sure flashlights, battery-powered lanterns and other sources of light are readily available. Make sure flashlights and radio batteries are fresh. Fully charge cell phones, mobile devices and portable chargers. Have an adequate supply of medicine, first aid supplies, and baby items. Keep at least a two weeks’ supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, batteries and firewood on hand. If prescriptions are essential, make sure to get them refilled in case of an extended power outage or extensive damage to the area. Make sure to have identification and documentation on hand, such as your social security card, driver’s license, birth certificate, and insurance information for your home, car, and life.
Do we have your number?
To help provide Members with the best response time possible, Carroll EMC uses an automated outage system. Members may report an outage by entering their telephone number or account number via touch-tone. Members with one account may enter their telephone number or account number; however, Members with multiple accounts must enter their account number. This way, the system can pinpoint the exact location of the outage.
Make plans for action:
If there’s a medical necessity at your residence, make plans now to have a backup generator. Have an evacuation plan for you and your family in case of an extended power outage. Listen to weather forecasts and predictions for possible hurricanes. Store Carroll EMC’s number in your cell phone and download the Carroll EMC Outage Pal app in advance. Call (877) 9-OUTAGE or (877) 968-8243 to report any outages or report them via Carroll EMC’s Outage Pal app or on the website, www.carrollemc.com.
Carroll EMC is committed to supplying its Members with dependable and safe service in all kinds of weather. A hurricane is not a pleasant experience. Yet, staying safe and calm can make it an easier one.
