New River Light and Power (NRLP) lineworkers and staff are ready to respond should the effects of the week's heavy rainfall and Hurricane Helene cause power outages. We urge customers to prepare for incoming weather and possible outages. Please read on for preparedness advice.
To stay safe and comfortable during an extended outage, it's best to be prepared. The following checklists will help you be ready before the power goes out, as well as guide you on what to do during and after an outage.
Before an outage
- Know how to report an outage. Call 828-264-3671 or go to nrlp.appstate.edu to make a report. After-hours calls are routed to App State Police. NRLP staff and lineworkers receive immediate alerts through the Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI, system.
- Know how to find outage updates. Monitor the NRLP homepage or follow us on social media: find us on X @newriverlightpower or Facebook and Instagram @New_River_LP.
- Store flashlights around the house in readily accessible areas, and maintain an adequate supply of candles.
- Keep a supply of fresh batteries for radios, flashlights and other electronic devices.
- Maintain supplies of clean, drinkable water and healthy and filling snacks that don't require refrigeration, such as dried fruits, nuts and protein bars.
- Have heavy blankets and quilts available in case an outage occurs during cold weather.
- If a family member requires access to powered medical equipment, coordinate an emergency plan with your doctor.
- Maintain backup generators according to manufacturer's recommendations and store an adequate supply of fuel in a safe place.
During an outage
- Monitor the NRLP homepage and social media for reports about power restoration efforts.
- Never touch or attempt to move a downed power line. Assume it is electrified and call 911.
- Disconnect or switch off appliances and electronic equipment that were running when the power went out. Leave a single light on so you know when power is restored.
- Avoid opening refrigerators and freezers to save cold air and preserve food longer.
- Keep candles away from furniture, window treatments and other flammable materials.
- In cold weather, wear extra layers of clothing to stay warm, and put extra blankets on beds.
- In warm weather, open windows to keep the house cool and drink plenty of fluids.
- Operate backup generators safely by following manufacturer's instructions. Don't attempt to connect your generator to the electrical system; it can back feed to outdoor utility lines and injure or kill utility service personnel. An automatic transfer switch—installed by a qualified electrician—will help to ensure safe operation.
After an outage
- Wait 10 or 15 minutes after power is restored and then gradually turn on appliances and equipment; this will protect your devices and avoid overloading the power system.
- Don't enter a flooded home unless you're sure the power is shut off. Avoid using any flooded appliances or equipment unless they have been inspected by a qualified technician.
- Discard any perishable items in your refrigerator or freezer that may not be safe to consume. A refrigerator keeps food at a safe temperature for up to four hours during a power outage if it remains closed. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you discard foods such as meat, poultry and eggs if they have been above 40°F for more than two hours.
With some careful preparation and a little attention to detail, you and your family will stay warm, safe and comfortable until power is restored.
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