Irwin EMC says be prepared for hurricanes
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and although a major hurricane hasn’t hit Georgia directly in over 100 years, the state has suffered damages at the hands of hurricanes. In October of 1995, after Hurricane Opal came ashore on the Florida Gulf Coast, it continued into Georgia, resulting in 14 deaths and 50 counties being declared disaster areas. In addition, a number of hurricane threats in recent years have caused residents to evacuate coastal Georgia at a large financial cost.
The greatest threat to Georgia from hurricanes is inland flooding which occurs when a hurricane creates a storm surge, a dome of water 50 miles around where the eye of the hurricane touches land. Georgia counties most susceptible to a storm surge are Bryan, Liberty, Camden, Glynn, Chatham and McIntosh. They are served by Canoochee, Okefenokee and Coastal EMCs.
In order to be prepared for hazards present during or after a hurricane, Irwin EMC wants you to consider the following electrical safety tips:
Beware of fallen power lines. If you come upon a fallen power line, assume that it is electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds. Call Irwin EMC to report any downed line.
Replace Damaged Cords. Following a hurricane, look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and plugs.
Beware of exposed outlets. Outlets and wiring exposed by hurricanes could present a fire and safety hazard
Leave it to the professionals. If you feel your house has been damaged, have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.
If you evacuate. If you decide to evacuate your home, make sure the house is locked and the water and electricity is shut off at the main stations.
If you lose power, take the proper precautions when using a generator. Place the generator outside the home as CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors. Also, never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or ‘backfeed’ can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
