NEC Retail Electricity: Hurricane Guide

2015 Hurricane Preparedness Guide Do You Know the Difference Between “Watches” and “Warnings”?

Watch - Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the area, usually within 48 hours.

Warning - Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the area, within 36 hours.

When a hurricane is in the gulf, monitor the National Hurricane Center for up-to-date information and warnings: www.nhc.noaa.gov or www.hurricanes.gov

~Important! ~ Contact Your Power Line Company Directly for Any Outage-Related Issues: NEC Retail is unable to help get your power back on.

AEP Delivery Areas 1-866-223-8508 www.aeptexas.com

Texas-New Mexico 1-888-866-7456

Oncor Delivery Area 1-888-313-4747 http://stormcenter.oncor.com/default.html CenterPoint Delivery Area 1-800-332-7143 http://gis.centerpointenergy.com/outagetracker

Basic Storm Safety…

• • • • • • • •

Unplug major appliances to protect them from a power surge when power comes back on.

Leave a light turned on so you know when power is restored.

Refuel heaters, lamps, and generators outside, and stay away from any flames or sparks. Wipe up fuel spills immediately.

Do not plug generators directly into wall outlets -- this protects you and our line workers as they work to restore power.

Never operate generators, lanterns, heaters, or fuel-fired stoves without proper ventilation.

Avoid downed power lines or sparking equipment.

Never remove debris that’s within 10 feet of a power line.

Prevent children from carrying candles or oil lamps.

2015 NEC Retail Hurricane Guide

□□ Start with an easy to carry, watertight container. A large, plastic trash can will do, or you can line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. □□ When storing your documents, use a portable, waterproof (airtight) bag that’s brightly colored, so you can quickly find it in the dark.

Water

Sanitary □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□

□□ Water: 1 gallon per person per day.

First Aid □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□

Bandaids Gauze Roller bandages Antiseptic Latex gloves Adhesive tape, 2-inch width Anti-bacterial ointment Cold pack Small scissors Tweezers Sunscreen Thermometer Safety Pins CPR breathing barrier/ face shield Non-prescription drugs (e.g., aspirin or non-aspirin pain relievers)

Food □□

□□ □□ □□

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Ready-to-eat, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup and cereals, fruits and vegetables, canned or box juices, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, bread and any special dietary items you and your family need.

Dry milk and juices Manual can opener Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices Food, water, leash and carrier for pets

Garbage bags Large trash cans Towelettes Bar soap and liquid detergent Shampoo Toothpaste and toothbrushes Feminine hygiene supplies Toilet paper Household bleach Rubber gloves

Supplies □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□ □□

Paper plates & napkins Duct tape Matches Foil Tools Signal Flare Ponchos Blanket or sleeping bag per person Battery-powered, portable radio or portable TV and plenty of extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries Eyeglasses Games, such as cards, and quiet toys Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes

Documents & Finance □□ Copy of driver’s license □□ Printed emergency contact list or address book (even if contacts are stored in a smartphone) □□ Insurance policies (health, home, auto) □□ Vital documents (birth certificates, passports, wills) □□ Bank account information (account numbers, passwords) □□ Cash and change □□ Photocopies of credit and debit cards (front and back) □□ Stock certificates, investment info □□ Extra keys (home, safe deposit box, office and car)

Preparedness Kit

Getting Started

2015 NEC Retail Hurricane Guide STATE OF TEXAS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE REGISTRY (STEAR) D

o you or anyone you know need some form of assistance during times of an emergency/disaster event? The state of Texas offers the option to register with the STEAR program, a FREE registry that provides local emergency planners and responders with additional information on the needs in their community.

Learn the Terms Used

by Weather Forecasters Tropical Depression

Hurricane

An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.

An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.

Sustained winds

Storm Surge

Are defined as one-minute average winds which are measured at about 33 ft (10 meters) above the surface.

A dome of water pushed on shore by hurricane and tropical storm winds.

Tropical Storm

Storm Tide

An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph (34-63 knots).

A combination of storm surge and the normal tide (e.g., a 15- foot storm surge combined with a 2-ft. normal tide over the mean sea level creates a 17-foot storm tide.)

Gust

Tropical Disturbance

A brief sudden increase in wind speed. Generally the duration is less than 20 seconds and the fluctuation greater than 10 mph.

An organized mass of thunderstorms in the tropics than lasts for more than 24 hours, has a slight cyclonic circulation, and winds less than 23 mph.

Registering yourself in the STEAR registry does not guarantee that you will receive a specific service during an emergency. Available services will vary by community. For more information on how your community will use information in the STEAR registry, contact your local emergency management office.)

Who Should Register?

People with Disabilities, limited mobility, communication barriers, require additional medical assistance during an emergency event, require transportation assistance, require personal care assistance.

How to Register

Dial 2-1-1 or use your video phone relay option of choice to contact 211. They will collect your: • Name & contact information • Emergency Contact Information • Caregiver Information • Pets • Transportation assistance needs • Disability, Functional or Medical Needs Registration is voluntary and all of the information you provide will be kept completely confidential.

To register for STEAR assistance, dial

2-1-1

2015 NEC Retail Hurricane Guide

Please Use Generators Safely Keep You and Your Powerline Workers Safe

Photo taken by George Gongora and published in the Corpus Christi Caller Times

When storms hit, your power company lineworkers rush to

your aid as soon as weather conditions allow to make repairs safely.

Line crews take necessary precautions before they work on downed power lines to verify a circuit has been de-energized, and that proper switches are opened and tagged to isolate the circuit from the power distribution system.

But even after these measures, workers’ lives remain in your hands. Portable generators, widely used when power lines are down, can prove fatal to lineworkers and your neighbors when used improperly.

A generator connected to a home’s wiring or plugged into a regular household outlet can cause backfeeding along power lines and electrocute anyone who comes in contact with them—even if the line seems dead.

Lineworkers are not the only ones in danger when a portable generator is used improperly. Generator owners themselves may be at risk of electrocution, fire injury, property damage, or carbon monoxide poisoning if they do not follow the necessary safety rules.

NEC Retail encourages you to protect the well-being and safety

of your family during outages, and safeguard those who come to your aid during emergency situations.

When we work together for the good of our communities, we all benefit.

Generators 101

1.

Determine what lighting and appliances you will want to use and choose a generator that produces more power than will be drawn.

2. It is best to plug appliances directly into the generator using heavy duty, outdoor extension cords.

3. Every year, people die due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from using portable generators. We can’t say it enough: Never Use a Generator Indoors! This includes a garage, carport, basement, or other enclosed or partiallyenclosed area, even with ventilation. Opening windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. CO can’t be seen or smelled. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY - DO NOT DELAY! Place the generator away from windows, doors, and vents.

2015 Storm Names

2015 NEC Hurricane Guide

Ana Bill Claudette Danny Erika Fred Grace

Henri Ida Joaquin Kate Larry Mindy Nicholas

Odette Peter Rose Sam Teresa Victor Wanda

LEEWARD ISLANDS

.

BARBADOS

WINDWARD ISLANDS

LEEWARD ISLAN

BARBADOS

WINDWARD ISLAN

Many of the roofs destroyed by hurricanes

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale Category 1: 74-95 mph

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

Category 2: 96-110 mph

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.

Category 3: 111-129 mph

Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads.

Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.

damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of Category 4: 130-156 mph Catastrophic most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Category 5: 156 + mph

Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Fun Fact: The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale was first developed in the early 1970s by Herbert Saffir, a consulting engineer who lived in Florida, and Dr. Robert Simpson, who was then director of the National Hurricane Center.

2015 NEC Retail Hurricane Guide Do Today - Before the Storm ȗȗ Monitor local weather forecasts. Sign up to receive local weather alerts by text or e-mail. ȗȗ Talk to your household about hurricane issues. Create a household disaster plan. Choose an out-of-town contact for everyone to call to say they are safe. Learn evacuation routes. Determine how you would go and how you would get there. ȗȗ Determine the needs of your household members who may live elsewhere but need your help in a hurricane. Network with neighbors and share contact numbers. Consider the special needs of neighbor, such as disabled or those with limited vision problems. Call 2-1-1 to register those people for evacuation assistance. ȗȗ Prepare to survive on your own for at least a week.

Assemble a disaster supply kit. Buy food, first aid, and hygiene supplies. ȗȗ Make plans to secure your property. Shutter offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up using plywood that is cut to fit and ready to install.

Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. ȗȗ Learn how to shut off utilities and where they gas and water shutoffs are located. Do not shut off the gas to see how it works. Only the gas company can safely turn it back on. ȗȗ Be sure trees and shrubs are trimmed. Dead limbs could cause personal injury or property damage. Clear loose and clogged gutters and drain spouts. ȗȗ If you have a boat, determine where you will secure it in an emergency. ȗȗ Purchase flood insurance well in advance. There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect. ȗȗ Make a record of your personal property. Photograph or video the inside and outside of your home and personal belongings. ȗȗ Make arrangements for your pets in a shelter or include pets supplies, ID & records, medications, and carrier supplies. ȗȗ Assemble important paperwork. Mail copies to someone who lives outside of a hurricane zone. Include policies, contracts, deeds, bonds, passports, shot records, house inventory, marriage and birth certificates. ȗȗ Learn hotels along the evacuation route ȗȗ Assemble a list of doctors numbers and prescriptions you will need. ȗȗ Put cash in envelopes for emergencies. ȗȗ Purchase a generator and learn how to use it ȗȗ Fill all available gas containers

When a Watch is Issued Outside Your Home ȗȗ Locate storm shutters, boards, garage supports, hardware tools ȗȗ DO NOT PRUNE TREES. Tree / brush collection will be delayed and loose branches may become dangerous. ȗȗ Fill your evacuation vehicle with fuel. Park spare vehicles in the garage or as close as possible to the side of the home. ȗȗ Locate water, gas and electric shutoffs. Shut them off if you evacuate. ȗȗ Make hotel reservations.

Inside Your Home ȗȗ Go over your family plan and complete evacuation preparations ȗȗ Check hurricane supply list, first-aid kit, medical supplies and prescriptions to be sure you have least a 2-week supply. ȗȗ Be sure all battery-operated TV’s, radios, flashlights, and lanterns are working and you have spare batteries. ȗȗ Place all valuables and copies of records in a waterproof container ȗȗ Make sure you have enough cash.

When a Warning is Issued ȗȗ Secure all windows with shutters or plywood. ȗȗ Drain in-ground pools and ponds. Bring in any outdoor objects ȗȗ Disconnect gas and propane, unplug electronics ȗȗ Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and do not open. ȗȗ Clean your bathtub with bleach and fill with water to use for flushing and bathing. Not drinking. ȗȗ Follow all instructions from local officials, and leave immediately if told to do so. Turn off water and electric utilities. ȗȗ Pack your Family Disaster Supplies Kit, extra blankets and sleeping bags. ȗȗ Take copies of important papers such as insurance policies and a list or photos of your home’s contents. ȗȗ Lock windows and doors before leaving home. ȗȗ Follow recommended evacuation routes to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges. ȗȗ Be sure someone knows where you are.

After a major power outage

The steps to restoring power Step 1.

Transmission towers and lines supply power to one or more transmission substations. These lines seldom fail, but they can be damaged by a hurricane or tornado. Tens of thousands of people could be served by one high-voltage transmission line, so if there is damage here it gets attention first.

Local substation Transmission substation

Step 2.

A co-op may have several local distribution substations, each serving thousands of consumers. When a major outage occurs, the local distribution substations are checked first.

A problem here could be caused by failure in the transmission system supplying the substation.

If the problem can be corrected at the substation level, power may be restored to a large number of people.

Local substation

Step 3.

Main distribution supply lines are checked next if the problem cannot be isolated at the substation. These supply lines carry electricity away from the substation to a group of consumers, such as a town or housing development. When power is restored at this stage, all consumers served by this supply line could see the lights come on, as long as there is no problem farther down the line.

The main goal is to restore power safely

urricanes andgreatest number of people in the shortest amount of time urricanes and and ice icestorms. storms.Floods to the number of members in the possible. fires.

Chances areblizzards. you have seen a time possible.

Tornadoes and shortest few of these weather conditions.

Electric cooperative members have seen The major outages is damage Thecause majorofcause of outages is damage caused them all. And with such severe weather caused by fallen trees.

That’s why your elecby fallen trees.

That’s why electric compaAnd with severe weather comes power outages. comes power outages. Restoring power tric cooperative has anongoing ongoing right-of-way right-of-way maintenance nies have Restoring power after a major outage is a big job after a major outage is a big job that maintenance program. programs. that involves much more than simply throwing a involves much more than simply throwing This illustration explains how power typswitch or removing a tree from a line.

This illustration explains how power typically is a switch or removing a tree from a line. ically is restored after a major disaster. restored after a major disaster.

The main goal is to restore power to the largest

Reprinted from Carolina Country, the monthy magazine for N

Area enlarged: Consumers themselves (not the co-op) are responsible for damage to the service installation on the building. Your co-op can’t fix anything beyond this point.

Call a licensed electrician.

Step 5. Sometimes, damage will occur

Other Help from co-ops others

on the service line between your house and the transformer on the nearby pole.

This can explain why you have no power when your neighbor does. Your co-op needs to know you have an outage here, so a service crew can repair it.

Tap Line

During aamajor majoroutage, outage,power other During cooperativesreceive send line crews to assist companies help from with partners. restoring These power.additional These additheir tional crews, as communicacrews, as wellasaswell communications, tions, equipment and supplies, are equipment and supplies, are coorcoordinated through the cooperadinated within the power compatives’emergency statewide organization. nies response plan.

Reportyour youroutage outage Report to directly the cooperto your power line company: ative office.

Employees or response AEP, Oncor, Centerpoint, etc... line services use every available phone Remember major outage to receive that your a outage reports. can affect thousands ofoutage other can Remember that a major people.

During times likemembers. these affect thousands of other your company will appreYour power cooperative appreciates your ciate your patience. patience.

Local substation

Step 4.

The final supply lines, called tap lines, carry power to the utility poles or underground transformers outside houses or other buildings. Line crews fix the remaining outages based on restoring service to the greatest number of consumers.

Power Co-op Co. office

Tap Line

DANGER! Stay clear of fallen lines

North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives

Individual households may Individual households may receive receive special attention if loss of special attention if loss of electricity electricity affects life support or affects life support systems or poses poses another immediate danger. another immediate danger. If you or a Iffamily you have a life-support system member depend on life supin your home, you need to make port, call your cooperative before an arrangements BEFORE an emeremergency arises. gency arises.