As Hurricane Sandy heads up the Atlantic coast, area residents should prepare for the storm and storm-related power outages. Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is monitoring weather forecasts, and co-op crews are preparing to restore power when outages occur.
SMECO personnel and crews are preparing to mobilize when the storm hits the Southern Maryland area. Although the path of the storm is uncertain, it is currently expected to impact the area beginning Sunday evening. According to Austin J. Slater, Jr., SMECO president and CEO, “This is already a massive storm. If the center of the storm travels through our area as some weather models suggest, we may experience extensive damage. If the center does not hit us, the rain and winds will still cause a lot of damage. Areas along the Patuxent and Potomac rivers and the Chesapeake Bay can expect severe damage.”
Slater listed some of the actions the co-op has taken to prepare for the storm. “Our emergency response team held a planning meeting to make sure all of our personnel are ready for the storm response. We have a well-stocked inventory of the hardware and equipment needed for making repairs, and our vendors are prepared to send additional equipment if necessary. We have contacted electric cooperatives in neighboring states that are not expected to be affected by outages so we can have crews assist us with making repairs to our system. We have arranged for contract crews from C.W. Wright, Penn Line, and Pike to be here to help with restoration efforts. Our employees are prepared to staff our contact center and will work in shifts around the clock.”
Slater added, “We advise our customers to prepare for extended outages. Last year, Hurricane Irene caused $7 million in damages in about 24 hours and some customers were without power for seven days. If the path of this storm continues as predicted, it could cause similar or more extensive damage than Irene.” Customers can view a two-minute video, “Preparing for a Power Outage” to help them take steps to get ready before an outage occurs. Customers can get more information or watch the video on the co-op’s website at www.smeco.coop. SMECO’s October bills also included a brochure listing steps to take to prepare for power outages.
SMECO customers should report power outages by calling the automated system at 1-877-747-6326 (1-877-74-SMECO). SMECO’s outage restoration policy is to make repairs that will restore service to the most people in the least amount of time. Transmission lines and substations are repaired first, followed by distribution lines that feed neighborhoods; tap lines and individual service lines are then repaired to restore power to customers who may still be without electricity.
The following is a list of steps customers can take to prepare for power interruptions:
