LCEC preparing for hurricane season
LCEC’s preparation begins long before a hurricane threatens to make landfall in Southwest Florida.
To ensure LCEC has the resources needed for restoration, the organization cultivates relationships with power line and tree-trimming contractors, fuel companies, material vendors, food service vendors, other cooperatives and local agencies for back-up resources.
LCEC’s 400-plus employees play a critical role in the restoration plan. Employees put their typical job responsibilities on hold to pitch in during restoration.
LCEC has a detailed restoration plan that outlines priorities of electric restoration during large power outages.
The plan first calls for restoration of essential services such as hospitals, traffic signals, shelters, law enforcement. Next, power is restored to the largest number of customers.
The last to be restored are individual services or services that need to be reconnected after repair to their home electrical system.
LCEC does not disconnect power before a storm. The utility begins to restore power to impacted areas once winds are at a safe level.
Public should prepare
– Ensure that you have a back-up telephone if you use a cordless or other telephone that is dependent on electricity.
– Have a battery-powered radio on hand and a supply of fresh batteries.
– Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy.
When the lights go out
– Help keep LCEC’s telephone lines clear for emergency calls. Only call (239) 656-2300 to report downed power lines.
– Visually check your weather-head (on the roof where your service drop connects to the pole) and meter box for damage.
– Any damage to a home’s electric system must be repaired by a licensed electrician and inspected before power can be restored.
– Turn off appliances. This will protect them when service is restored, prevent electrical fires and lessen the chances of circuit overload. Leave a light on as a visual signal that the power is restored.
Storm safety tips
– Stay clear of downed power lines. They may be energized and dangerous. Puddles of water contacting lines are just as dangerous.
– Do not trim trees or remove debris near downed power lines. If you must remove debris, do not pile it under or near electrical lines or equipment.
– Residents on life support need to have an alternate plan in place. This may include making arrangements to spend time with a friend or relative during an outage or using a back-up generator.
– When operating a portable generator, keep it outside and in an open area. Follow all instructions regarding safe operation. Do not connect the generator directly to a main electrical panel.
– Avoid detaining LCEC employees or contractors while they are working to restore power.
LCEC preparing for hurricane season
LCEC’s preparation begins long before a hurricane threatens to make landfall in Southwest Florida.
To ensure LCEC has the resources needed for restoration, the organization cultivates relationships with power line and tree-trimming contractors, fuel companies, material vendors, food service vendors, other cooperatives and local agencies for back-up resources.
LCEC’s 400-plus employees play a critical role in the restoration plan. Employees put their typical job responsibilities on hold to pitch in during restoration.
LCEC has a detailed restoration plan that outlines priorities of electric restoration during large power outages.
The plan first calls for restoration of essential services such as hospitals, traffic signals, shelters, law enforcement. Next, power is restored to the largest number of customers.
The last to be restored are individual services or services that need to be reconnected after repair to their home electrical system.
LCEC does not disconnect power before a storm. The utility begins to restore power to impacted areas once winds are at a safe level.
Public should prepare
– Ensure that you have a back-up telephone if you use a cordless or other telephone that is dependent on electricity.
– Have a battery-powered radio on hand and a supply of fresh batteries.
– Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy.
When the lights go out
– Help keep LCEC’s telephone lines clear for emergency calls. Only call (239) 656-2300 to report downed power lines.
– Visually check your weather-head (on the roof where your service drop connects to the pole) and meter box for damage.
– Any damage to a home’s electric system must be repaired by a licensed electrician and inspected before power can be restored.
– Turn off appliances. This will protect them when service is restored, prevent electrical fires and lessen the chances of circuit overload. Leave a light on as a visual signal that the power is restored.
Storm safety tips
– Stay clear of downed power lines. They may be energized and dangerous. Puddles of water contacting lines are just as dangerous.
– Do not trim trees or remove debris near downed power lines. If you must remove debris, do not pile it under or near electrical lines or equipment.
– Residents on life support need to have an alternate plan in place. This may include making arrangements to spend time with a friend or relative during an outage or using a back-up generator.
– When operating a portable generator, keep it outside and in an open area. Follow all instructions regarding safe operation. Do not connect the generator directly to a main electrical panel.
– Avoid detaining LCEC employees or contractors while they are working to restore power.
Business
Next week at The Buck | June 17-23
Pine Island residents establish Mary Lou Memorial Scholarship Fund
