Greenwell Springs, LA – A severe weather system with strong gusty winds greater than 60 mph are possible and will likely result in outages across DEMCO service areas. Crews are ready to respond when it is safe to do so. Please be advised that storm debris can hide downed power lines and be extra cautious! Any dangling line or lines on the ground can be deadly. Crews will be working to repair and restore damages as soon as it is safe to do so and until power is restored to all members.
DEMCO will close at noon due today to keep our employees safe in order to respond to members’ needs following the storm.
The National Weather Service, New Orleans/Baton Rouge issued impacts listed below at 7:39 a.m.
Impacts:
The main threats associated with any severe storms will be:
- Wind gusts greater than 60 mph will be possible
- Trees and powerlines could be damaged and lead to isolated/scattered power outages
- Large hail up to 2 inches in diameter will be possible
- Wind-blown hail could cause additional damage
- Tornadoes will be possible, and a few could be significant (EF-2+) and/or long track
- In addition to the severe weather threat, rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is forecast with locally higher amounts to 5 inches possible.
- This rainfall could lead to ponding of water in low lying areas and areas of poor drainage.
- Minor coastal inundation of 1-2 feet above ground level is expected.
DEMCO urges members to prepare for potential power outages and act to ensure their safety:
- Have an adequate supply of prescription medicines and any necessary infant supplies on hand.
- If you or someone you know uses life-support equipment that requires electricity to operate, charge the battery before the storm, identify a location with emergency power capabilities and make plans to go there during a prolonged outage. Contact your local health department or emergency management offices about shelters that can assist you during a prolonged outage. If you have a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
- Develop an evacuation plan in case it’s needed. Communicate the plan to your family. Include pets or livestock in your plan.
- Fuel your vehicles before the storm as a loss of power could affect gas stations.
- Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include a battery-powered radio, flash light, first-aid kit, battery-powered or wind-up clock, extra batteries, special needs items, an insulated cooler and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.
- Consider having supplies handy for your propane or charcoal grill. Be sure to grill outdoors in well ventilated areas for safety.
- Protect electronics by unplugging sensitive electronics. Use surge protectors.
Outages reported using any of the three methods below are automatically received into DEMCO’s system in real time:
- Visit www.DEMCO.org homepage and click Report Outage
- Call 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626) Option 1
- Download the MyDEMCO mobile app available for Android and iOS
Visit the DEMCO Storm Center for additional preparedness and safety resources:
