Duke Energy moving crews to respond to power outages in Hermine's aftermath

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy meteorologists continue to track the remnants of Hurricane Hermine, and the company is prepared to respond to possible power outages that could occur in the Carolinas.

Duke Energy began today moving more than 200 line workers to Morehead City and Wilmington in North Carolina; and to the Florence area in South Carolina.

Be prepared

• We encourage customers to be prepared by checking their supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable foods, medicines, etc. Also, ensure a portable, battery-operated radio, TV or NOAA radio is on hand.
• Families who have special medical needs or elderly members should closely monitor weather forecasts and make plans for potential alternate arrangements should an extended outage occur.

Be safe

• As severe weather moves through the area, be watchful for downed or sagging power lines. Consider all lines energized as well as trees, limbs or anything in contact with lines. Please report downed power lines to Duke Energy.
• If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUxWaWti7P0
• The heavy rains in our service area will make roads treacherous and visibility poor. If possible, avoid unnecessary travel on rain-soaked roads, as cars hitting utility poles can be a significant cause of power outages during severe weather.
• Utility crews will also be hard to see in rainy conditions. If you see utility crews working along the road, move over or slow down. Help keep them safe so they can help restore service to our customers.

Electrical safety guidelines for floods

• If rising water threatens your home — or if you evacuate your home — turn off your power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
• Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Don't drive over — and don't stand near — downed power lines.
• Downed lines will be hard to see in the rain and can potentially be hidden in standing water. If you encounter large pools of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.
• If your home or business is flooded, Duke Energy can't reconnect power until the electrical system has been inspected by a licensed electrician. If there is damage, an electrician will need to make repairs and obtain verification from your local building inspection authority before power can be restored.

Reporting outages

Customers who experience an outage during the storm should access the automated outage-reporting system as follows:

• Call 800.769.3766 (800-PowerOn)
• Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
• Visit www.duke-energy.com/hermine.

We also provide updated information on our social media channels to keep customers informed should significant outages occur as a result of the storm.

• Duke Energy on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DukeEnergy
• Duke Energy on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DukeEnergy

About Duke Energy

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. 

The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and insights into the future of energy.

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Contact: Media Relations  24-Hour: 800.559.3853  Twitter: @DukeEnergy

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SOURCE Duke Energy