Duke Energy prepares response to winter storm

Additional line workers & other support personnel on standby to supplement local crews & speed restoration

Duke Energy is monitoring and preparing for a winter storm system that may cause power outages in some regions of its Indiana system beginning Sunday.

“As severe winter weather approaches, we’re encouraging customers to be aware that a combination of snow, sleet, freezing rain and wind can cause power outages,” said Clint Carnahan, Duke Energy General Manager of Emergency Preparedness. “We are preparing to ensure we can restore electricity to any affected customers as soon as possible.”

Snow on its own typically does not have a big impact on the electric system. However, heavy wet snow accumulation, freezing rain, and winds may bring down trees, limbs, and power lines. These types of winter storms can also create hazardous driving conditions which could delay and impede Duke Energy workers’ ability to assess storm damage and restore power.

Duke Energy contractors – including additional line workers and other support personnel – are on standby to supplement the company’s local workforce and speed power restoration. Crews will work around-the-clock to restore power in impacted communities as quickly as possible.

Heavy ice on trees, branches, power lines

Ice buildup on trees and branches that causes them to fall on power lines is usually the main culprit behind power outages during a winter storm. The heavy weight of significant ice buildup directly on power lines themselves can sometimes cause the lines to fall or sag. Heavy, wet snow also can cause trees and branches to fall on power lines.

Damage assessment

After the storm, as conditions permit, crews will assess damage to determine the types of crews, equipment and supplies needed to restore electricity to each power outage location.

Simultaneously, while damage assessment is underway in some of the harder-hit areas, repair work will begin where feasible.

Reporting power outages

Customers can report power outages by texting “OUT” to 57801 or by calling (800) 343-3525. They may also report an outage online at duke-energy.com/outages or through the Duke Energy mobile app. Duke Energy will provide estimated power restoration times to customers as soon as those times are determined.

The company also will provide regular updates to customers and communities through emails, text messages, outbound phone calls, social media and its website, which includes power outage maps.

Winter storm safety reminders

Customers can take steps to safely prepare for winter weather and outages that may impact them by doing the following:

• Ensure an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods, medicines, etc., as well as the availability of a portable, battery-operated radio, TV, or weather radio.
• Customers should make alternate shelter arrangements as needed if they will be significantly impacted by a loss of power – especially families who have special medical needs or elderly members.
• Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized as well as trees or limbs in contact with lines. Please report any downed power lines to Duke Energy or local emergency services.
• If a power line falls across a car that you are in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
• Ice and snow can cause hazardous driving conditions resulting in traffic accidents and downed utility poles and power lines that, in turn, can cause isolated power outages. If you are driving and encounter emergency responders or other roadside work crews, remember to move over.
• If you use a generator due to a power outage, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and proper operation. Operate your generator outside; never operate it inside a building or garage.
• Do not use grills or other outdoor appliances or equipment indoors for space heating or cooking, as these devices may emit carbon monoxide.

More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety. A checklist serves as a helpful guide, but it is critical before, during and after a storm to follow the instructions and warnings of emergency management officials in your area.