The second wave of severe storms and tornadoes moving across the state has caused a significant increase in the number of power outages affecting Alabama Power customers. At 8 p.m., here are our customer outage numbers:

 

·        Statewide – 374,902

·        Birmingham area (Jefferson, Shelby counties) – 173,198

·        Eastern areas (Including Anniston, Gadsden, Oxford) – 53,932

·        Western areas (including Bibb, Walker, Tuscaloosa counties) – 146,306

 

By comparison, Alabama Power had a total of 241,000 outages as a result of Hurricane Dennis, and 239,000 outages following Hurricane Frederic.

                                                                       

We expect outage numbers to fluctuate as the storm moves through our service territory. Some outages could be prolonged. 

 

Personnel in the Alabama Power Storm Center are coordinating resources to address power restoration. Restoration estimates cannot be made until a full inspection and evaluation of the damage is made. Assessments will begin as soon as weather conditions permit.

 

We have commitments from outside utilities to support our restoration efforts. 

 

Safety tips for after the storm

 

• If power is out, please call Alabama Power’s automated reporting system at 1-800-888-APCO (2726). It is the fastest way to report an outage or a hazardous situation, such as a downed power line. 
• Turn off appliances to avoid any potential safety hazards when power is restored.
• Stay away from downed lines. Do not drive over lines or under low-hanging lines. Keep children and pets away from downed lines. Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or anything else caught in power lines. Call Alabama Power at 1-800-888-APCO (2726) or contact a local law enforcement agency if downed lines are spotted.
• Stay clear of areas with fallen trees or debris where downed lines may be hidden. Stay away from areas where repair crews are working.

  

Generator safety tips

 

More and more people are purchasing portable generators to keep appliances running during outages. While generators can be a convenience, they can also be deadly when used improperly.

 

• Read and follow carefully the manufacturer’s instructions before using a generator.  
• Do not plug in portable generators to your household wiring. This can cause serious injury to you and to Alabama Power employees working on the lines in your neighborhood. Connect only essential appliances – such as freezers and refrigerators – directly to the generator.  
• To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, operate generators outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area that is away from air intakes to the home, including window air conditioners. A good location is an open shed. Never use a portable generator indoors or in attached garages.

 

Alabama Power crews will work as fast as safety allows. Before neighborhood lines can be repaired, crews must first repair larger lines that bring power to the neighborhoods.

 

To learn more about how Alabama Power responds to storms and how you can prepare, log on to www.alabamapower.com.  Click “About Us” and then “Storm Center.”