CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 6, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is preparing for the approaching
tropical storm expected later this week in the Carolinas.
The expected storm conditions are favorable for heavy rain and
strong winds, which could lead to widespread outages. The company
plans to have 6,900 skilled workers strategically placed and ready
to respond as the storm moves through the Carolinas.
"Safety is our number one priority and we strongly encourage our
customers to plan in advance of the storm," said Jason Hollifield, Duke Energy storm director for
the Carolinas. "We are preparing our crews to respond as soon as
conditions are safe."
Below are some recommended safety and preparedness tips before a
storm:
- Create (or update) an emergency supply kit to save valuable
time later. The kit should include everything an individual or
family would need, especially medicines, water, non-perishable
foods and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm
hits.
- Keep a portable radio or TV or a NOAA weather radio on hand to
monitor weather forecasts and important information from state and
local officials.
- Charge cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in
advance of storms to stay connected to important safety and
response information. Consider purchasing portable chargers and
make sure they are fully charged as well.
- Maintain a plan to move family members – especially those with
special needs – to a safe, alternative location in case an extended
power outage occurs, or evacuation is required.
- Pet owners should arrange to stay at evacuation shelters that
accept pets; friends' or family members' homes; or pet-friendly
hotels.
- Customers are encouraged to sign up for alerts and know how to
report an outage. Receive the most up-to-date information about
restoration efforts by enrolling in Outage Alerts. If you lose
power, text OUT to 57801, report online or through the mobile app,
or call 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).
- Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging.
Consider all lines energized, as well as trees, limbs, fences or
anything in contact with 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.
- Additionally, customers are encouraged to download the enhanced
American Red Cross Emergency app for weather safety. The latest
version of the app, sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation, is
free, available in both English and Spanish and offers a variety of
features including emergency checklists, interactive maps of open
shelters and the ability to monitor multiple locations for weather
alerts.
For more tips on how to prepare for severe weather, please
visit duke-energy.com/StormTips. A checklist serves as a
helpful guide, but it's critical before, during and after a storm
to follow the instructions and warnings of emergency management
officials in your area.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in
Charlotte, N.C., is one of
America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric
utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio
and Kentucky, and collectively own
54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities
serve 1.7 million customers in North
Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition,
keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the
forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions
from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions
from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in
major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including
expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the
Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy
on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook,
and visit illumination for stories about the people and
innovations powering our energy transition.
Contact: Shawna Berger
Media line: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_ShawnaB
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SOURCE Duke Energy