DEMCO Storm Center Ready for Hurricane Season

Monitoring Tropical Storm Cristobal 

Baton Rouge, LA - DEMCO Storm Center is actively monitoring tropical storm Cristobal. DEMCO Storm Command Center has initiated comprehensive storm preparation plans: Storeroom personnel take inventories of supplies on hand and purchasing department personnel locate stocks of extra poles, cross arms, transformers, wire, etc.; Customer accounting employees prepare to staff phone banks to handle calls from consumers; Vacation plans canceled; Contractors and out of state crews are on standby in case we need them; and DEMCO operations center personnel in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana prepare to monitor damage to the DEMCO system using the latest in computerized technology.

We encourage all members to stay alert and prepare now. “Be aware of the risks you may face and know what steps to take before, during and after a storm event,” says Randy Pierce, DEMCO CEO and general manager. “Take inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity and talk to your medical provider about a plan for devices powered by electricity and critical medicines that require refrigeration. Put together an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, nonperishable food, water, and first- aid supplies.

Damage and destruction can occur from wind and rain that comes with a severe weather system, says Ryan Vandersypen, Vice President of Engineering and Operations. “Whenever storm impact or severe weather is imminent, DEMCO mobilizes crews early so that restoration can begin as soon as it is safe.” Visit DEMCO.org/Storm-Center for safety tips, a preparedness checklist and to report and view outages.

When a major outage occurs, DEMCO line crews work through a “Powering Up” process to pinpoint problems. Following standard utility practice for repairing and energizing power lines, DEMCO first inspects transmission towers and lines, since they supply power to substations which serve thousands of members. These repairs are necessary before other parts of the system can operate. Next, local distribution substations are examined and repaired - each substation serves hundreds or thousands of members, and correcting issues here can restore power quickly to a large number of members.

As part of our existing Emergency Response Plan, DEMCO is well-prepared to follow the rules and protocols required to comply with COVID-19 public health and safety standards to protect our employees, our members, and any visiting crews who may be called to assist us with widespread outage restoration,” says Pierce.

To report an outage, DEMCO members have 3 easy options available:

  • Visit DEMCO. org (click Report Outage)
  • Download the free DEMCO app available for Apple and Android phones
  • Call 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844- 693-3626)
  • For power line or electricity safety issues, call 3-1-1.