Anticipating severe weather from the remnants of Hurricane Charley on Saturday, Savannah Electric has activated phase I of its REACT disaster response plan.

REACT (Restoration Evaluation And Communications Techniques) utilizes hundreds of employees, retirees and contract workers in implementing emergency operating procedures designed to restore electric service safely, quickly and efficiently in the wake of natural disasters.

If high winds and heavy rain hit the area, trees and limbs will fall, bringing down power lines. The company is prepared to respond, but customers with medical or other special needs are encouraged to make plans in the event power is lost.

Arrangements have been made with other utilities and contractors to provide additional support as needed. Outside crews are expected to begin arriving in the Savannah area Friday afternoon.

After repairs are completed or if damage is light, crews will be released to go to Florida or other areas with heavy damage.

Important Safety Reminders:

« Parents are urged to specifically remind children not to touch or go near any wire they may see, even if the wire appears to be "dead" or inactive.

« Downed lines could be hidden by storm debris or submerged in flooded areas. Look for wires before clearing debris or coming in contact with fences, vehicles or standing water.

How customers can help and prepare:

« Savannah Electric`s Outage Hotline is 1-800-390-2834.

« Downed wires should also be reported on the Hotline at 1-800-390-2834 or by calling 911.

« Should power outages occur, large appliances such as air conditioners and stoves should be switched off and turned back on individually after power is restored.

« Leaving porch lights switched on during an outage helps crews assess restoration efforts.

« Other storm tips can be found at www.savannahelectric.com under "Storm Information."

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