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Be Prepared for Stormy Days


Peak hurricane and tropical storm season arrives this month. That’s important news even in Walton EMC’s landlocked service area since the heavy rain and high winds that accompany tropical storms can extend into northern Georgia.

“The best way to remain safe and comfortable in the event of severe weather is through preparedness,” says Walton EMC’s Director of Safety Brad Adcock. “An easy way to kick off your preparations is to watch our video that provides tips for readying your family and home for a prolonged outage.”

Storm Safety Q & A

You’ll also want to be aware of the electrical safety hazards that severe storms can cause in and around your home. Here are responses to some of the questions Walton EMC is frequently asked.

POWER LINES

What should I do if I see a downed power line?
Move at least 10 feet away from the line and anything touching it. The human body is a ready conductor of electricity. The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times.

How can I help someone who has come in contact with a downed power line?
Don’t touch the person. Call 911 instead.

Can I use something that is not metal to try to move a downed power line?
No! Never attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line.

What should I do if I see a downed power line on the road while I’m driving my car?
Stop! Don’t drive over downed power lines.

What if a power line comes down onto my car or I didn’t see it until I’ve driven into it?
Stay in your car and wait for emergency responders. Tell others to stay away from your vehicle. If you must leave your car because it’s on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with the live car and the ground at the same time. Then, shuffle away from the car.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

Can I install my own portable generator?
We strongly recommend that you hire a licensed electrician to install any home generator to ensure it meets all local electrical codes and is properly grounded.

Can I wire my generator directly into one of my home’s outlets?
No. Don’t connect a generator directly to the household wiring unless an appropriate transfer switch has been installed by a licensed, qualified electrician. An improperly installed generator can “backfeed” along Walton EMC’s power lines, creating a significant electrocution hazard for lineworkers who are making repairs.

Learn more by visiting the Walton EMC Storm Center.