Customers should prepare for possibility of extended outages

The severe weather expected to hit Alabama this afternoon and tonight is shaping up to be a potentially devastating and dangerous storm that includes a threat of numerous, powerful tornadoes. According to weather experts, the storm could bring damage to the state not seen since Hurricane Katrina.

Alabama Power crews have worked since daylight to restore power to those affected by the severe storm that passed through early this morning. About 270,000 customers lost power during the storm – that’s more than were affected during Hurricane Frederic in 1979. With more severe weather on the way, Alabama Power customers need to prepare for the possibility of extended outages that could last several days.

In anticipation of this latest, powerful storm, Alabama Power has called in additional crews from as far away as Illinois to assist in restoration efforts. The full force of the company is ready to work to restore power as quickly as possible.

STORM PREPARATION TIPS: Alabama Power employees take severe weather seriously, and customers should, too. Here’s what you can do to be better prepared for the weather and its potential aftermath:

Before the storm

1.  Charge cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices.

2.  Have several flashlights with extra batteries on hand, as well as a first-aid kit.

3.  Have on hand a three-day minimum supply of water – one gallon per person per day,
     plus three days’ supply of food and drink that does not have to be refrigerated.

4.  Use a battery-operated weather radio to stay informed.

5.  Turn down the thermostat to cool your house. If you keep doors and windows closed
     after the storm, you can keep your house relatively cool for about 48 hours.

6.  Seek shelter inside a sturdy building. In the event of a tornado, the safest place is on
     the lowest level. Choose a small room with no windows, such as an interior closet,
     hallway or bathroom.

After the storm

1.  If power is out, 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.

2.  Turn off appliances to avoid any potential safety hazards when power is restored.

3.  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.

4.  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.

1.  Read and follow carefully the manufacturer’s instructions before using a generator.

2.  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.

3.  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.

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.”