Storm Preparations: Power Outages
For workers at Mississippi Power it has been a day of preparation.
From statewide conference calls, to double-checking equipment, MPA officials say they are in for the long haul.
The Meridian district for Mississippi Power serves almost 40,000 customers from Shubuta as far west as Forest and Walnut Grove. With dozens of linemen on duty and many more on standby, company officials say they are ready.
"We have several hundred of our linemen ready to restore power as quickly as possible, but we can draw as many as 1,000 line crew to help us respond quickly," said Pat Wiley, Mississippi Power Company.
As always, Mississippi Power officials say work crews will be on duty throughout the night. If an outage occurs, they say power will be restored as soon as possible.
"What we do is we will work into the storm as safely as possible as long as we can. However, when a storm comes we have to wait until it leaves because our line crew has to be safe as well," Wiley said.
Meanwhile, officials with the East Mississippi Power Association say they are also prepared with all crews now on standby.
With strong winds often come downed power lines. For safety reasons Mississippi Power officials are reminding residents not to touch any such lines. Instead they are advising residents to call the company.
The number for Mississippi Power customers is 1-800-532-1502. The number for customers of the East Mississippi Power Association to call is 483-7361.
wtok.com: Extended Web Coverage
Storm Preparation
- Secure Outdoor Objects:
- Pool and Outdoor furniture
- Grills
- Harmless items like outdoor plants and hanging plants
- Pool and Outdoor furniture
- Close all windows and doors:
- Intense wind can wreak havoc to unit interiors as well as common areas
- If necessary, tape you windows as well
- Intense wind can wreak havoc to unit interiors as well as common areas
- Check all outside fixtures:
- Secure or remove loose items
- Check your drainage system (unclog all drains, water basins, and gutters
- Secure or remove loose items
- Store the following in a safe and dry place:
- First aid kit
- Drinking water
- Battery powered radio
- Battery powered flashlights
- Matches and candles
- First aid kit
Source: http://www.jbyrneagency.com/Fall%201997%20-%20Storm%20Preparation.htm (the J. Byrne Agency Loss Control Tidbits Web site)
