Utility companies are preparing for outages ahead of Tropical Storm Debby

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) –With tropical storm force winds and flooding expected power outages are very possible in the Cape Fear this week. Utility companies are preparing for power outages ahead of tropical storm Debby. 

On Monday, WWAY caught up with the manager of member engagement and communications from Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC); Brookes Versaggi and the spokesperson from Duke Energy; Logan Stewart. They talked about how they prepare for hazardous weather events.  

Both utilities have workers on standby, but they need to ensure the safety of both the workers and customers.  

They added how unpredictable mother nature is but they’re ready for what brings this time.   

“Mother Nature does not make an appointment so it important that we are ready for storms year-round, and we do that in a few ways,” Versaggi said. “Have an emergency supply kit on hand, we always hope it won’t be a multiple day restoration, but we just do not know especially with a storm like this,” Stewart said. 

Versaggi adds their goal is to keep outages to a minimum. So, when the storm is on the way they are testing equipment and making sure their trucks are fully stocked. Versaggi mentioned that there is always a potential for outages when there is bad weather. It is worth noting that more than half of BEMC’s powerlines are underground, meaning power outages are possible but less likely.  

Stewart says the best things you can do are sign up for outage reports on their website and report outages by texting, calling, or on their website. Also, note that Duke Energy follows a restoration plan starting with restoring power for emergency services and hospitals. More importantly Stewart emphasized that if you happen to be out and see a large puddle of water and powerlines are down there may be a live powerline in the puddle itself, so it is best to stay out of it and keep others out of it.