CHARLOTTE, NC — In preparation for Irma, Duke Energy has positioned more than 4,500 storm responders across North and South Carolina.
Responders include power line workers, tree professionals, damage assessors, and support personnel ready to respond to power outages and damages wherever they may occur.
“We’ll work to safely restore power as quickly as possible – and won’t stop until every customer’s lights are back on,” said Tim Tripp, Duke Energy’s director of storm response for the Carolinas.
Duke Energy reminds customers that power restoration could take several days in certain area, so they’re urging residents to make plans and preparations for any power outages or damage that may occur as Irma moves through.
- Have an emergency kit ready for use.
- Charge cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of the storm to stay connected to important safety and response information. Consider purchasing portable chargers and make sure they are fully charged as well.
- Finalize plans to move family members – especially those with medical or other special needs – to a safe, alternative location in case an extended power outage occurs or evacuation is required.
- Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized as well as trees, limbs or anything in contact with lines.
- Report all power line hazards using the following phone numbers:
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- Duke Energy customers – 800-769-3766
- Duke Energy Progress customers – 800-419-6356
- 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.
Customers can report power outages by:
- Texting OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply)
- Calling the automated outage-reporting system at 800-769-3766 for Duke Energy Carolinas customers and 800-419-6356 for Duke Energy Progress customers.
