REC: Outage Restoration Continues as Preparations for Second Storm Begin

On the heels of Winter Storm Freya, another winter weather system is projected to bring freezing rain, sleet and snow to all but the most Southeast portions of REC's coverage area on Saturday, with impacts to the electric grid expected. 

Key logistical points for members:

• REC will continue to dedicate crews to restoring the remaining outages from Winter Storm Freya, regardless of the impacts from Saturday’s storm. The Cooperative remains committed to restoring all outages from Freya as quickly and safely as possible. 
• Crews from the eight other electric cooperatives and contracted construction crews already assisting REC will remain with the Cooperative, and additional crews from other cooperatives have been requested to help with expected outages from Saturday’s storm.
• Separate crews will be assigned to respond to outages related to Saturday’s weather event.
• REC is prepared. In addition to strengthening and growing its work force in the field, REC has necessary materials on hand to make needed repairs from both Winter Storm Freya, Saturday’s storm and additional storms predicted for next week. 

What to expect Saturday:

• Saturday’s system could impact areas already affected by Thursday’s storm as well as counties to the east that were spared by Freya. 
• Snow and ice are forecast to start by midday on Saturday and continue into the evening, with gusty winds also expected. 
• While the snow, sleet and freezing rain may stop by Saturday night, the gusty winds are expected to continue through Sunday, potentially toppling trees and leading to additional damage and power outages. 
• As with Freya, the most significant ice damage is expected in the Western portion of REC’s territory, although impacts across much of the service territory are expected. 

The longer-term outlook is also daunting, with accumulating snow and other wintry precipitation possible starting Tuesday. 

REC urges all members to prepare now for the potential of widespread power outages beginning Saturday afternoon.

What to do before the storm:

• Consider a secondary heating source such as a generator (see important safety tips below). 
• Gather any extra blankets, bedding, sleeping bags, sweaters and other warm clothing. 
• Find a complete list of emergency items REC recommends you assemble ahead of the storm: myrec.coop/stormprep.
• If someone in your home requires electricity for a serious medical condition, review your backup plan for an alternate location with power that you can rely on during an outage.

Other steps you can take now:

• Bookmark REC’s outage center: myrec.coop/outagecenter.
• Remember that you can now report your outage by texting OUT to 63273.
• You also can use your mobile phone or devices to report an outage at myrec.coop/out or report an outage in the MyREC SmartHub mobile app.
• It’s important to report your power outage, even if you think someone in your neighborhood has already reported it.

Important safety reminders: 

• If you see a downed power line, always assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay away from the line and anything that might be in contact with it. Call 911 and contact REC at 800-552-3904 to report downed power lines.
  
  If your backup power plan includes using a generator, be sure to follow all safety guidelines including:
   
• Isolate your generator from REC’s power lines. Connect appliances or other devices directly to the generator with the appropriate cords.
• If you connect it directly to your building's wiring, a generator transfer switch is required to separate your generator from the co-op's system.
• Take care when fueling your generator. Never refuel the unit while it's operating.
• Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic fumes. Do not install your generator in a closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.