Don’t get caught in the dark. An ounce of preparation can pay off huge in the event of a power outage. REC has a few tips you can use to make certain your family or business is ready for the next big storm. Click here.
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is watching the winter weather system that is projected to affect parts of our service territory starting Sunday, Jan. 5 and continuing into Monday, Jan. 6. REC is prepared to respond safely to any power outages. Here are a few ways you can prepare, too:
What to do before the storm:
- Consider a secondary heating source such as a generator (see important safety tips below).
- Gather any extra blankets, bedding, sleeping bags, sweaters and other warm clothing.
- Find a complete list of emergency items REC recommends you assemble ahead of the storm: myrec.coop/stormprep.
- Charge critical electronics such as cell phones.
Other steps you can take now:
- Bookmark REC’s outage center: myrec.coop/outagecenter.
- Remember that you can now report your outage by texting OUT to 63273.
- You also can use your mobile phone or devices to report an outage at myrec.coop/out or report an outage in the MyREC SmartHub mobile app.
- If someone in your home requires electricity for a serious medical condition, review your backup plan for an alternate location with power that you can rely on during an outage.
Important safety reminders:
- If you see a downed power line, always assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay away from the line and anything that might be in contact with it. Call 911 and contact REC at 800-552-3904 to report downed power lines.
- If your backup power plan includes using a generator, be sure to follow all safety guidelines including:
- Isolate your generator from REC’s power lines. Connect appliances or other devices directly to the generator with the appropriate cords.
- If you connect it directly to your building's wiring, a generator transfer switch is required to separate your generator from the co-op's system.
- Take care when fueling your generator. Never refuel the unit while it's operating.
- Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic fumes. Do not install your generator in a closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.
