Anticipating possible severe weather from the approach and passage of Hurricane Jeanne late Sunday and Monday, Savannah Electric has activated phase I of its REACT disaster response plan.
When fully implemented, 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 strongly encouraged to make plans now in the event they are without power for several days.
Employees will not be able to restore power during the period of dangerous weather, which could last 12 hours or more, so restoration efforts will not begin until after the storm passes.
Immediately after the storm, damage evaluation is typically required before active repair work begins.
All Savannah Electric and local contract tree and line crews have been recalled from the Pensacola, Florida area where they were still working on restorations from Hurricane Ivan. They should be back in Savannah overnight Friday, Sept. 24 and ready to work on Sunday, Sept. 26.
Arrangements have been made with other utilities and contractors to provide additional support, as needed. Outside crews are expected to begin staging for a Savannah response on Sunday afternoon. Updates will be provided as warranted over the weekend.
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NOTE: Please see important storm safety and preparatory tips below:
Important Storm 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.
« Use flashlights or battery powered fluorescent lanterns instead of candles or fuel lanterns to reduce fire risk.
« Avoid driving or be particularly cautious when driving as traffic signals and street lighting may be out.
How customers can help and prepare:
« Make a note of Savannah Electric`s Outage Hotline: 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 in the field assess restoration efforts.
« Other storm tips can be found at www.savannahelectric.com under "Storm Information."
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