CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Power Board (CPB) is preparing for possible outages from storms related to Hurricane Sally.
“The best case scenario is for stabilizing weather fronts to impact the storm system and stabilize the severe characteristics of the approaching weather system,” said CPB General Manager Mike Manning. “The worst case scenario is for the severe weather system to grow in intensity and maintain a severe storm capability as the storm continues to move inland and across the region.”
Manning said his department is ready to answer the call if or when residents lose power inside the city.
“Severe storms typically present challenges to LPCs (local power companies) based on the duration and extent of damages. Cullman Power Board (CPB) routinely maintains a state of readiness to respond to unexpected events,” he said.
With yet another hurricane making landfall this month in the Gulf, Manning spoke to the challenges CPB employees face, from the those answering calls to the linemen reconnecting power, during a major storm.
“When severe weather events such as hurricanes and tropical storms occur, CPB strives to restore all power as soon as possible in a safe and efficient manner. Once power is restored to all CPB customers our crews typically assist other LPCs that still have customers in need of restoration,” he said. “This work is performed in accordance with mutual aid agreements that are in place and operating prior to the storm event. If CPB incurs substantial damage from a storm event, CPB will receive mutual aid assistance from other regional LPCs and/or contract utility crews.”
Manning said patience is always key when linemen are reconnecting lines and he urged any resident who loses power to report the outage and stay indoors.
“CPB appreciates the patience and understanding of our customers. Rest assured that CPB crews and assisting crews will continue to work as hard as we can to restore power service in the safest and most expedient manner as possible,” he stated.
In the event of downed power lines, said Manning, residents should call in the outage to the CPB’s hotline at 256-734-2343 and then stay indoors until the issue is resolved.
“CPB customers should stay inside and away from downed power lines. All lines should be treated as an energized line and extreme caution should be exercised,” he said. “Contact CPB to report downed power lines at once. The roadways should be kept as clear as possible for emergency and utility crews to be able to respond to emergency matters as well as the restoration of power service.”
Manning said residents should also be prepared in case of outages or prolonged outages.
“Customers should have an ample supply of non-perishable food, batteries, blankets and other vital resources on hand to ‘shelter in place’ until power and other utility services are fully restored,” he said.
Manning finished up with an important message regarding the safety of the linemen who must be out during, and immediately following, storms.
“The restoration of power in a storm recovery is very hazardous work,” he said. “CPB would request that everyone pray for the safety of not only the utility crews working to restore power, but also for all other police, fire and rescue, street and debris clearance crews and all other responders.”
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