Progress Energy Readies for Possibility of Storm Impacts From Gabrielle
07 September 2007 - 1:32AM
PR Newswire (US)
RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Progress Energy
Carolinas is tracking the progress of a yet-unnamed weather system
over the Atlantic Ocean that could turn into Tropical Storm or
Hurricane Gabrielle by the weekend. The company is making
preparations for any effects the storm may have on the company's
service territory. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020923/CHM008LOGO-c ) "As
with any tropical storm or potential hurricane, the main concerns
are with high winds and the potential for flooding," said Hershell
McCarty, system storm coordinator for Progress Energy Carolinas.
"There is a broad range of possibilities for this storm in our
service area, and the forecast will likely change in the coming
days, so we are preparing for whatever Mother Nature brings. "We
are continuing to work through all of our pre-storm planning to
ensure that we have the supplies and resources needed to respond to
any power outages," McCarty said. "And since this is the first
threat of tropical weather in the Carolinas this season, we
encourage our customers to review their own safety plans." The
quickest way to report an outage during a storm is to call Progress
Energy's automated outage-reporting system at (800) 419-6356 in the
Carolinas. After severe weather, Progress Energy takes specific
steps to restore power. Progress Energy crews first assess damage
and determine what crews, equipment and supplies will be needed to
make repairs. The company makes repairs to the largest facilities
first - starting with transmission lines and substations and moving
on to distribution lines and, ultimately, to individual service
lines. This process helps to restore service to the most customers
the quickest. Safety is the top concern after a storm. According to
the American Red Cross, electrocutions are the second-leading cause
of death during and after floods. Progress Energy offers the
following electrical safety guidelines and storm-preparation tips:
-- If rising water threatens your home, turn off the power at the
circuit breaker panel or fuse box before water enters your home.
Have an electrician inspect your system before turning the power
back on after flooding. -- Stay away from downed power lines and
electrical wires. Don't drive over -- and don't stand near --
downed power lines. -- Never replace a fuse or touch a circuit
breaker with wet hands, or while standing on a wet or damp surface.
-- Gather emergency supplies stocked in your home, including
battery- powered radio and flashlights, and stay tuned to local
radio or TV stations for updates. -- Have immunization records
handy or know when you last received a tetanus shot in case you are
wounded during or after a flood. -- Sanitize bathtubs and sinks
using bleach and rinse them thoroughly; fill them and plastic
bottles with clean water. -- Secure outdoor possessions, such as
lawn furniture, grills and trash cans. -- Fill vehicle gas tanks.
-- Board family pets somewhere safe. Many emergency shelters do not
accept animals. -- Turn the thermostats on refrigerators and
freezers to the coolest possible temperature. For additional
storm-safety tips, visit http://www.progress-energy.com/storm.
Progress Energy, headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., is a Fortune 250
energy company with more than 21,000 megawatts of generation
capacity and $10 billion in annual revenues. The company includes
two major utilities that serve more than 3.1 million customers in
the Carolinas and Florida. Progress Energy is the 2006 recipient of
the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Award, the industry's
highest honor, in recognition of its operational excellence. The
company also is the first utility to receive the prestigious J.D.
Power and Associates Founder's Award for customer service. Progress
Energy serves two fast-growing areas of the country, and the
company is pursuing a balanced approach to meeting the future
energy needs of the region. That balance includes increased energy
efficiency programs, investments in renewable energy technologies
and a state-of-the-art electricity system. For more information
about Progress Energy, visit the company's Web site at
http://www.progress-/ energy.com.
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020923/CHM008LOGO-c
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Progress Energy CONTACT:
Progress Energy Carolinas 24-hour media line, +1-877-641-NEWS
(6397) Web site: http://www.progress-energy.com/
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