President, Southwest Tennessee EMC
Board President, TECA
Electricity plays a vital role in our lives — from powering home appliances and cellphones to keeping factories and hospitals running. While electricity is incredibly useful, it can be dangerous. May is National Electrical Safety Month. This is a great time to look around your home to identify potential safety hazards.
May is the time of year our crews pay a little more attention to the weather. Spring brings warmer temperatures and blooming flowers, but it also means increased possibilities of severe weather here in Tennessee.
Please consider these tips to keep your family safe when severe weather threatens:
Be prepared
Don’t allow yourself to be caught off guard. Have a way to receive alerts when they are issued — either a NOAA Weather Radio or a cellphone that receives alerts. Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely. Have a place prepared for you and your family to shelter when the need arises — you don’t want to have to empty out a closet when time is of the essence. An emergency kit that includes a radio, flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit and medicine should also be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Act quickly
If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If your area is under a severe weather watch, pay attention. If a warning is issued, act immediately. Take shelter in a substantial building or in an interior closet. Get out of mobile homes that might blow over in high winds. Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Do not take a bath or use plumbing. If you are driving, exit the road and find a safe place to ride out the storm.
Regardless of what the weather brings, our crews are prepared to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We take seriously our responsibility to keep the power on and restore service quickly.
Be smart after the storm
Be aware of hazards and debris left by the storm. Never touch downed power lines or anything in contact with them. If it is dark when you are inspecting your home, use a flashlight rather than a candle to reduce the risk of fires or explosions. Be sure your family is safe, and then look for opportunities to help friends and neighbors.
Regardless of what the weather brings, our crews are prepared to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We take seriously our responsibility to keep the power on and restore service quickly.
