On Friday morning, September 2, a seven-man contract crew will board the Hatteras ferry to Ocracoke where they will remain stationed throughout the weather event to assist the co-op’s island employees as needed. On the mainland, Tideland will beef up existing resources by staging two additional five-man contract crews and related equipment in Beaufort County ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Consumers should keep in mind that power restoration activities do not begin until storm conditions have sufficiently subsided to ensure safe working conditions for utility crews. Individuals who depend on electrically powered medical equipment are advised to seek shelter at facilities with emergency generators in advance of the storm, especially in areas prone to flooding. Tideland EMC reminds all consumers that back-up generators can be deadly when not properly operated. Never connect a generator to household wiring without a properly installed transfer switch. Never refuel a generator when the engine is running and allow the unit to cool before adding gasoline. To avoid electrocution or carbon-monoxide poisoning, ground the generator properly and operate in a dry, well ventilated area. Finally, avoid plugging damaged, undersized or ungrounded extension cords into any generator. Always treat downed electric lines as potentially energized even when utility service is off.
The public may track power restoration progress via the cooperative’s website, www.tidelandemc.com, which includes a link to Tideland’s outage map and social media accounts. Tideland EMC, an equal opportunity service provider and employer, is a member-owned distribution cooperative serving 22,600 accounts in Hyde, Beaufort, Pamlico, Dare, Washington and Craven counties.