(Photo: MGN)GREENWOOD, Del.- Delaware Electric Cooperative crews are preparing for the possibility of extensive power outages as Hurricane Sandy sets her sights on the state.
The utility said that all of its crews will be on standby this weekend to be dispatched to restore power if outages occur. Utility contractors will also be ready to help DEC respond to possible outages. If damage to the electrical system is severe, DEC said it is prepared to seek assistance from neighboring electric cooperatives.
Members who live in the most rural areas served by DEC could be without power for extended periods of time if weather conditions are as severe as predicted, the utility said. Hurricane or tropical storm force winds can wreak havoc on power lines and utility poles.
During an outage, DEC said its crews work to restore power to the largest number of people first. After transmission and distribution lines are fixed, the co-op's crews then fix problems in smaller neighborhoods or problems at individual homes.
DEC is asking all members to prepare for the worst. Members should have an emergency kit assembled and be prepared to be without power for several days. Members with serious medical conditions, who rely on electricity to power medical equipment, should be prepared to move to a shelter or hospital during an outage. DEC cannot guarantee quick restoration to those members. Now is the time to prepare.
Members should also stay away from downed wires or damaged electrical equipment. Assume any downed wires are energized. Touching energized wires can lead to injuries and death. If you see downed wires, call DEC immediately.
To report an outage, call 855-332-9090. Live outage information can be found at www.delaware.coop.
Relevant Stats:
- DEC employs 34 linemen
- 29 service and bucket trucks are storm-ready
- DEC serves 84,000 members, many in rural areas
- During Hurricane Irene about 15,000 members were without power
- During the blizzard of 2010, 23,000 members lost power.
