CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Electric Cooperative Manager of Communications & External Affairs Brian Lacy on Tuesday said crews are ready to begin any necessary repairs caused by storms from Hurricane Sally.
“We always keep a close eye on what the weather is doing in the Gulf Mexico during hurricane season. Fortunately, we are far enough away from the Gulf Coast that we don’t have to take the same precautions and preparations as electric co-ops closer to the coast. We follow the latest updates from the National Weather Service so we are prepared for any weather that might impact our service area,” Lacy said. “We also stay in close communication with our statewide office, the Alabama Rural Electric Association, as they help coordinate repair efforts. If other cooperatives in Alabama or neighboring states need help after a storm, once we know our area is safe, we work with AREA to get our linemen and equipment headed to the areas that need help.”
While Cullman County is in the northern portion of the state there is a possibility of rough weather.
“The best case scenario for this storm is the severe weather misses our area, we get some much needed rain, and our linemen can be called upon if needed to help other communities that are impacted by the storm,” he said. “There is always the possibility the storm could change its track and some of the severe weather impacts our area, in which case our crews will be ready to respond to any power outages as soon as it is safe to work outside.”
If the worst were to happen, Lacy said he is confident the linemen and crews will respond quickly to repair damaged transformers or downed lines.
“From the co-op’s perspective, any storm system presents a possibility of power outages due to lightning and high wind that can cause trees or large branches to fall on power lines. We always encourage people to stay weather aware. Have a weather radio and a good weather app on their cell phone,” he said. “Sign up for the Cullman Electric Cooperative text message outage reporting, and follow the co-op’s outage map on our website or by downloading the Cullman Electric Cooperative mobile app.”
While those repairs are taking place residents may want to take stock in what supplies they have on hand.
“A storm emergency kit with flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water and some non-perishable food is a good thing to have in your house at all times,” he said.
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