Stronger Together: Preparing for Storm Season
When Hurricane Debby swept through Virginia last August, it reminded us all how quickly conditions can change. Despite being downgraded to a tropical storm, Debby left behind significant damage — suspected tornadoes, broken power poles and outages impacting more than 5,000 REC members.
Thanks to REC’s around- the-clock storm response and system resilience, restoration began swiftly — but weather events like this underscore one powerful truth:
Preparedness is a shared responsibility.
As hurricane season begins (June 1 – Nov. 30), now is the ideal time to make a plan, stock your emergency kit and stay connected with REC.
“Our crews are always ready — but when members prepare too, we’re all in a stronger position,” said Casey Hollins, Managing Director — Communications and Public Relations. “Preparedness isn’t a panic. It’s a peace of mind.”
How You Can Prepare Now
Among the items to gather before a storm arrives:
- Flashlights, lanterns and extra batteries. (Avoid candles as they can pose a fire hazard.)
- Non-perishable food and manual can opener; at least one gallon of water per person per day.
- Board and card games, coloring/art supplies to keep little ones entertained.
A comprehensive list to help you prepare for a storm: myrec.coop/stormprep
REC’s Proactive Push to Stay Prepared and Keep Costs Down
Power outages aren’t just inconvenient—they’re also costly. That’s why REC takes proactive steps to strengthen the grid, reduce outages, and minimize restoration time, taking advantage of the latest technology to do so.
- For instance, through advanced satellite technology, REC has identified and removed thousands of hazard trees that pose a risk to the system before storms even hit.
- And in 2023 and 2024, REC used drones to inspect about 63,000 poles, with another 39,000-plus to be inspected this year. The drones capture hundreds of thousands of images, which are then analyzed with needed repairs prioritized to minimize expenses and maximize reliability for members.
