RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Progress Energy Carolinas is tracking the progress of a yet-unnamed weather system over the Atlantic Ocean that could turn into Tropical Storm or Hurricane Gabrielle by the weekend. The company is making preparations for any effects the storm may have on the company's service territory. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020923/CHM008LOGO-c ) "As with any tropical storm or potential hurricane, the main concerns are with high winds and the potential for flooding," said Hershell McCarty, system storm coordinator for Progress Energy Carolinas. "There is a broad range of possibilities for this storm in our service area, and the forecast will likely change in the coming days, so we are preparing for whatever Mother Nature brings. "We are continuing to work through all of our pre-storm planning to ensure that we have the supplies and resources needed to respond to any power outages," McCarty said. "And since this is the first threat of tropical weather in the Carolinas this season, we encourage our customers to review their own safety plans." The quickest way to report an outage during a storm is to call Progress Energy's automated outage-reporting system at (800) 419-6356 in the Carolinas. After severe weather, Progress Energy takes specific steps to restore power. Progress Energy crews first assess damage and determine what crews, equipment and supplies will be needed to make repairs. The company makes repairs to the largest facilities first - starting with transmission lines and substations and moving on to distribution lines and, ultimately, to individual service lines. This process helps to restore service to the most customers the quickest. Safety is the top concern after a storm. According to the American Red Cross, electrocutions are the second-leading cause of death during and after floods. Progress Energy offers the following electrical safety guidelines and storm-preparation tips: -- If rising water threatens your home, turn off the power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box before water enters your home. Have an electrician inspect your system before turning the power back on after flooding. -- Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Don't drive over -- and don't stand near -- downed power lines. -- Never replace a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands, or while standing on a wet or damp surface. -- Gather emergency supplies stocked in your home, including battery- powered radio and flashlights, and stay tuned to local radio or TV stations for updates. -- Have immunization records handy or know when you last received a tetanus shot in case you are wounded during or after a flood. -- Sanitize bathtubs and sinks using bleach and rinse them thoroughly; fill them and plastic bottles with clean water. -- Secure outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans. -- Fill vehicle gas tanks. -- Board family pets somewhere safe. Many emergency shelters do not accept animals. -- Turn the thermostats on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature. For additional storm-safety tips, visit http://www.progress-energy.com/storm. Progress Energy, headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., is a Fortune 250 energy company with more than 21,000 megawatts of generation capacity and $10 billion in annual revenues. The company includes two major utilities that serve more than 3.1 million customers in the Carolinas and Florida. Progress Energy is the 2006 recipient of the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Award, the industry's highest honor, in recognition of its operational excellence. The company also is the first utility to receive the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates Founder's Award for customer service. Progress Energy serves two fast-growing areas of the country, and the company is pursuing a balanced approach to meeting the future energy needs of the region. That balance includes increased energy efficiency programs, investments in renewable energy technologies and a state-of-the-art electricity system. For more information about Progress Energy, visit the company's Web site at http://www.progress-/ energy.com. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020923/CHM008LOGO-c http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Progress Energy CONTACT: Progress Energy Carolinas 24-hour media line, +1-877-641-NEWS (6397) Web site: http://www.progress-energy.com/

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