Hurricane season began June 1, but preparing for these massive storms never stops for Duke Energy or its customers.
“We have seen the devastation a hurricane can cause in the Carolinas with Hurricane Matthew last year,” said Duke Energy Carolinas Storm Director and Vice-president of Engineering and Technical Customer Relations Tim Tripp. “While we can’t control the weather, we do prepare for storms every day of the year. We urge our customers to get ready now so they can react quickly during a storm, hurricane or severe weather that heads our way.”
Duke Energy and its staff of meteorologists are constantly monitoring weather conditions, preparing to do whatever is necessary to maintain its high level of reliability and to respond to power outages that impact our customers quickly and safely, Tripp said.
Here is additional information regarding what meteorologists expect during the 2017 hurricane season.
The following tips can help you and your family stay safe if severe weather strikes and the power goes out:
§ Create (or update) an emergency supply kit to save valuable time later. The kit should include everything an individual or family would need for at least two weeks, especially medicines and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm strikes.
§ Maintain a supply of water and non-perishable food.
§ Ensure first-aid supplies and medicines are readily available.
§ Review insurance policies, and include extra copies of the policies and other important documents in the emergency supply kit (ideally in a waterproof container).
§ Keep a portable radio or TV, or NOAA weather radio on hand to monitor weather forecasts and official information.
§ Maintain a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to a safe, alternate location in case an extended power outage occurs or evacuation is required. Pet owners can make arrangements to stay at evacuation shelters that accept pets, friends’ or family members’ homes, or pet-friendly hotels.
For a “Hurricane Kit Checklist," important safety tips and more information on what to do before, during and after a storm, visit www.duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety.
For more tips on general emergency preparedness, visit www.ready.gov.
