Singing River Electric is ready to move into power restoration mode as Tropical Storm Nate tracks toward the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After activating the emergency preparedness plan, cooperative personnel are loading trucks with extra materials, sharpening chainsaws, and assigning linemen to specific areas in advance of Nate’s predicted arrival this weekend. Linemen from neighboring electric cooperatives in Mississippi and other states are on standby should additional manpower be needed.
Power outages during tropical weather are most often caused by trees or limbs falling onto power lines and lightning damage to electrical equipment. Singing River Electric dispatchers are on duty around the clock, and linemen will work to restore power to members as long as it is safe to do so depending on the severity of the weather. Following storm landfall and when the winds have reduced to a safe level, Singing River Electric crews will continue restorations in all affected areas.
Here’s how you can prepare for Tropical Storm Nate and any associated power outages:
- Download Singing River Electric’s SmartHub app to report power outages quickly and to view a live outage map. Outages can also be reported by calling 228-497-1313 or 601-947-4211.
- Review your storm plan, and share with family and friends. Gather storm supplies, such as flashlights, extra batteries, radio, water, and non-perishable food.
- Make a plan for family members who rely on electronic medical equipment or have other special needs. No utility can guarantee electric service during or following severe tropical weather.
- Treat all downed power lines as energized. Beware of lines hidden by debris or in trees.
- Do not connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring; this can energize power lines and put our linemen at risk. Also, do not operate a generator while standing in wet conditions or use in an enclosed area.
Outage updates and other information will be posted to Singing River Electric’s Facebook (singingriverelectric), Twitter (@SRECooperative), and Instagram (singingriverelectric) accounts, as well as on www.singingriver.com.
Singing River Electric is an electric distribution cooperative owned by its nearly 74,000 members in Jackson, George, Greene, Perry, Wayne, Stone and Harrison counties in Mississippi, as well as Washington and Mobile counties in Alabama. The cooperative strives to provide quality, responsive electric service and be an active participant in the local communities served.