SVEC encourages preparation for potential storm

Mt. Crawford, Va. –

MT. CRAWFORD – With strong winds and the possibility of a wintery mix of snow and/or rain in the forecast for parts of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative’s (SVEC) eight-county service area, the Cooperative has implemented a plan of action to coordinate its response to the potential severe weather.

SVEC has extra support staff on standby, ready to respond, should the situation require additional assistance. SVEC continues to monitor the progression of the storm and is in regular contact with the National Weather Service.

The Cooperative would like to remind our member/owners that now is the time to prepare for possible inclement weather. The predicted wintery mix of snow and/or rain, coupled with projected wind speeds present the chance for power outages. “Blinking” of lights may also occur, and this is a normal condition during an event such as this. In addition, with the forecasted amount of winds and possibility of snow, there is a chance for outages, if they occur, to last extended periods of time.

When tree limbs break as a result of increased weight and fall on power lines, outages are possible. SVEC makes every effort to have power restored to members as quickly and as safely as possible, and would like to offer these tips in case of an outage:

Do not make any attempts to clear trees or other debris from power lines. Note the location, and any other important information regarding these situations, and contact SVEC immediately. The Cooperative will work to ensure that power is restored as soon as possible. Avoid contact with downed power lines.

In the event that you lose power and you are an SVEC member, call SVEC at 1-800-234-7832, even if you think your neighbor may have called. It is more effective for SVEC to know where all outages are located.

It is a good idea to make sure that your cell phone, if you have one, is completely charged, in the event of an outage.

To make sure you and your family have the necessities for an outage, SVEC advises that you prepare a home outage kit. Potential items to include are:

Flashlights and extra batteries
A battery operated radio
Lanterns and matches
An alternate source of heat
Canned or packaged foods, powered milk and beverages, dry cereal
Water (one gallon per person per day for drinking; fill bathtub and other containers for flushing toilets and other needs)
Non-electric can opener
Disposable plates and utensils
Camp stove or other emergency cooking device
Extra blankets or sleeping bags
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
If needed, extra baby food, formula, diapers

Chartered in 1936, SVEC serves approximately 90,000 meters in the counties of Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Highland, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren and the city of Winchester in Virginia. Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative was the first electric cooperative chartered in Virginia.