DEMCO Prepares for Tropical Storm Claudette

Greenwell Springs, Louisiana – DEMCO is taking steps to prepare for tropical storm Claudette and urges members to prepare now for potential loss of power due to anticipated heavy rain and wind.

“After a severe weather system moves through the area, assessing damage and estimating when members will have power restored could take 24 hours or longer, since flood waters must recede before restoration can begin,” says Randy Pierce, CEO and General Manager.

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.

Preparation Tips:

  • Have an adequate supply of prescription medicines and any necessary infant supplies on hand.
  • If you use medical equipment at home that requires electricity, make sure you charge the battery before the storm.
  • 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.
  • If you are in an area subject to an evacuation order, heed the order and move to a safe location.
  • 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.
  • Have a telephone with a cord or an extra charged cell phone to use as a back-up. Cordless telephones won’t work during an outage.
  • Keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water, and have a hand-operated can opener available.
  • Consider having supplies handy for your propane or charcoal grill. Be sure to grill outdoors in well ventilated areas for safety.
  • Secure outdoor items. Safely store lawn furniture, decorations, toys, garbage cans and other items that can be brought indoors.
  • Protect your electronic equipment. Unplug sensitive electronics or plug computers and other sensitive equipment into surge suppressors. Consider an uninterruptible power supply, such as a generator.

Most importantly, Safety Tips:

  • Stay away from downed wires. Contact your local co-op to report a downed wire or an outage.
  • Avoid crews working in the street. This will keep you and the crews safe and allow them to work on restoring your power.
  • Do not enter flooded areas, which can conceal downed wires or other potential hazards.
  • Tune in to local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information.
  • Follow the advice of your local emergency management and health officials.
  • Take cover as necessary.

 

DEMCO advises members to contact local health department or emergency management offices about shelters that can assist you during a prolonged outage, and if you have a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.