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Walton EMC is ready for fall storm season: Members should prepare too

This year’s wild and wooly hurricane season is expected to peak over the next 60 days. When these storms push inland, they can bring damaging winds and water to Walton EMC’s service area.

“Forecasters are expecting an above-average number of storms that could affect many communities and Walton EMC customer-owners this fall,” cautioned Tim Morris, vice president of engineering and operations for the co-op.

When strong storms blow through, power outages can follow. Walton EMC employees are ready to respond.

“We work well in advance of hurricane season to make sure we have enough materials stockpiled to repair lines following a major storm,” Morris said. “We make it a point to have extra power poles, transformers and wire available to replace damaged lines and restart the power flowing as quickly and safely as possible.”

The co-op also has a plan for obtaining extra help to restore power should the need arise. Thanks to longstanding mutual aid agreements with other member-owned electric co-ops in the state and region, additional electric linemen are always on standby to travel to the area and assist with restoration work.

“Electric co-ops pull together during emergencies and times of crisis,” said Morris. “If our power lines are hit hard from a storm, we know we can depend on fellow co-op linemen to give us a hand in restoring service. It’s the co-op way.”

BE PREPARED

Walton EMC customer-owners are likewise urged to prepare for the stormy season. Use this checklist to protect your family when severe weather is in the forecast.

EARLY PREPARATION

Make an emergency plan. Identify your safe space and let every family member know their role in case of emergency.

Know your family’s medical needs. If you or a family member require electricity to power medically necessary equipment, be sure to have a plan in case of power failure. This equipment may need battery backup or a generator to function.

Prepare an emergency storm kit. Have an easily accessible storm kit with household essentials such as food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries and a weather radio.

AS THE STORM APPROACHES

Protect your home. Secure windows and doors and move loose items inside.

Fill your tank. It is always good to fill your car with gasoline in preparation for a lengthy outage. This can serve as another charging source for your devices while your home is without power.

Activate your medical plan. Now is the time to charge battery backup devices for medically necessary equipment. Alternately, consider temporarily relocating to an area less likely to lose power due to the storm.

Stay updated. Keep up with storm news for your area with weather apps, local TV stations and websites like weather.gov. Follow Walton EMC’s Facebook page for timely updates before and after a storm.

Know how to report outages. If you experience an outage, report it by calling 770-267-2505, online at waltonemc.com or via the myWaltonEMC mobile app. Electronic reports are the fastest way to get your information to the co-op. Have a copy of your electric bill handy to reference account information that may be requested.

Visit Walton EMC’s Storm Center for comprehensive information on preparing for and coping with power outages, including tips for medically fragile patients, generators, food spoilage, storm safety and power restoration.

 

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