Warsaw, VA – Northern Neck Electric Cooperative encourages members to be prepared in case of a power outage from the approaching Winter Storm Fern. Heavy snow and/or ice accumulation on power lines and trees can result in power outages, potentially for extended duration.
NNEC crews and staff are prepared to respond to any service interruptions as quickly and safely as possible. While outages are nearly impossible to predict, members are encouraged to be prepared for the possibility of extended power outages. NNEC recommends assembling/updating an emergency kit that includes but is not limited to:
- flashlights
- battery-operated radio
- candles and matches
- extra supply of batteries
- basic first-aid supplies, prescriptions
- sanitizer and personal hygiene items
- small supply of drinking water and food — include a manual can-opener
- baby supplies — formula, diapers, etc. — if an infant is in the home
Fully charge cellphones and portable charging devices and keep contact information for family members and any elderly neighbors nearby.
NNEC urges members with portable generators to make sure they are safely and properly connected. Operate them outdoors in an area with plenty of ventilation. Never run a generator in a home or garage. Prevent backfeeding power to the line by not plugging a generator into the wall. Use heavy-duty extension cords to connect appliances directly to the outlets on the generator. Read more about generator safety at nnec.coop/outages-safety/safety/generator-safety.
Stay away from power lines on the ground or any tree, limb or other object in contact with a power line. Call 911 to report it and help keep others away. Always assume a power line is live and could potentially cause fatal injury.
