Duke Energy prepares for early winter storm in the Carolinas

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- An early December storm will bring a mixed bag of hazardous  wintry precipitation to the Carolinas this weekend, likely to cause prolonged power outages in some areas as snow and ice bring down trees, limbs and power lines. 

Duke Energy meteorologists continue to monitor weather conditions and the company is making plans accordingly. Line technicians, service crews and other personnel throughout Duke Energy's service area are prepared to as outages and emergencies occur.

The company is urging customers to take appropriate precautions as well. Snow and certainly freezing rain can cause hazardous driving conditions resulting in traffic accidents and downed power poles resulting in isolated outages.

Power outages expected

Based on the current forecast, widespread, multiple-day power outages are expected and customers should be prepared. In addition, weather and travel conditions may be hazardous and challenging, and could delay Duke Energy workers' ability to access areas fully assess storm damage and completely restore electric service.

With temperatures below freezing, customers should make a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to a safe, alternative locations in case an extended power outage occurs. We urge everyone to be prepared and stay safe – and encourage other family members, friends and neighbors to do the same.  

Safety reminders

• We encourage customers to prepare by checking their supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable foods, medicines, etc. Also, ensure a portable, battery-operated radio, TV or NOAA radio is on hand.
• 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 downed power lines to Duke Energy.
• If a power line falls across a car that you're 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.
• If you are driving and encounter emergency responders or other roadside work crews, remember to MOVE OVER, it's the law in North Carolina, but a good practice for all drivers.
• 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.
  

Reporting outages

Customers who experience an outage during the storm have multiple ways on how to report it:

• Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply)
• Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.POWERON for Duke Energy Carolinas customers and 800-419-6356 for Duke Energy Progress customers.
• Report an outage or view current outages online at www.dukeenergyupdates.com

Duke Energy also will provide updates on its social media channels to keep customers informed if significant outages occur:

• Duke Energy on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DukeEnergy 
• Duke Energy on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DukeEnergy

About Duke Energy

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S., with approximately 29,000 employees and a generating capacity of 49,500 megawatts. The company is transforming its customers' experience, modernizing its energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding its natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves.

The company's Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit serves approximately 7.6 million retail electric customers in six states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Commercial Renewables unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the U.S.

A Fortune 125 company, Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2018 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' 2018 "America's Best Employers" list.

More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center includes news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues.

Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Contact: Corporate Communications
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy