(July 25, 2020) —  As Hurricane Hanna approaches Texas and Hurricane Douglas approaches the Hawaiian Islands, EEI urges customers in the path of these storms to take steps now to ensure that they have an emergency plan and a fully stocked outage kit ready in case the storms cause power outages.

“EEI’s member companies in the path of Hurricanes Hanna and Douglas have activated their emergency response plans to make sure that they are ready to restore power to customers safely and as quickly as possible,” said EEI Vice President of Security & Preparedness Scott Aaronson. “Given that we are in the midst of a pandemic, our industry has implemented new COVID-19 protocols to keep our customers and our crews safe, and we ask for our customers’ patience as these additional safety steps may slow some restoration tasks. We know electricity is especially important right now, and our entire industry stands ready to support the impacted companies if needed.”

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, EEI and its member companies worked through the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) to develop a resource guide to ensure that processes and procedures are in place to keep our workforce healthy and safe while we work to maintain continuity of operations. A major focus was developing COVID-19 protocols for emergency power restoration. These protocols were put to the test during the deadly storms that hit 21 states Easter weekend, and updates were made based on the lessons learned by impacted electric companies.

“It's more important than ever that customers keep a safe distance from lineworkers and other essential employees as they perform critical work in our communities,” said Aaronson. “Safety is our top priority. We understand that customers may want to ask questions or thank crews during emergency power restorations. Please remember the importance of practicing social distancing so all remain healthy and our mission-essential workers are able to perform their work safely.”

Customers and communities also share a responsibility to prepare for emergencies, and now is the time to make sure that they have a plan in place and a fully stocked emergency outage kit that is readily available.

Here is how you can prepare now:

• Visit www.ready.gov to learn how to plan, be prepared, and act in your community.
• Review EEI's hurricane safety tips. For more hurricane safety and preparation tips, visit the National Hurricane Survival Initiative.
• Develop an emergency plan that addresses any special medical needs you or your family members have. Call your local emergency management office to discuss necessary arrangements.
• Have your emergency outage kit stocked and readily available.
• Pay attention to local weather reports on the radio, television, and Internet.
• Stock up on non-perishable food, water, medications, and any other necessities to avoid the need for travel during a storm. If you live in an area where evacuations may be necessary, be sure to research any changes to local policies that may have been made due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Learn what to do in case of a power outage.
• Make sure your contact information is current with your local electric company so you can receive any status or safety updates the company might put out during an emergency.
• Be sure to follow your electric company on social media for real-time updates.