Information from Clay Electric

This is a release from Clay Electric:
t       KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Fla. – Clay Electric Cooperative has implemented its emergency operations plan because of the expected arrival of Tropical Storm Fay.

            “It appears very likely Fay will take a path directly through the heart of our 14-county service area,” said Henry Barrow, director of the co-op’s Member & Public Relations Department. “Gusty winds from Fay will likely cause damage to our distribution system due to trees falling or debris being blown into our equipment or lines. Torrential rains are also expected with this storm.”

            OPERATIONS PLAN ENSURES READINESS

            Barrow said Clay Electric’s Emergency Operations Plan helps ensure that supplies are on hand and personnel are ready once the storm ends and work can begin safely. Preparations include making sure vehicle fuel tanks are topped off and emergency generators and back-up battery systems are operational. Vendors that provide emergency equipment, like large cranes to life transmission poles and heavy transformers, are contacted. Contractors that provide extra construction and right-of-way crews are called to confirm availability. Emergency lodging and food service arrangements are reviewed. Co-op personnel involved in damage assessment and restoration work are placed on stand-by.

            Clay Electric maintains inventory levels to provide enough supplies for several days of restoration work. Huge stockpiles of materials are not kept on hand because of the expense and the amount of storage space required. Items like sleeves to join broken conductors (wires), fuses, poles and transformers are common items needed for restoration work. Large quantities of these items can be ordered from vendors and shipped within 24 hours. During a major emergency, the co-op’s main supply warehouse in Keystone Heights is staffed around the clock so shipments can be received and quickly routed to areas where they’re needed most.

            DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS PERFORMED FIRST

            Barrow said that once the storm passes and it’s safe to venture outdoors, co-op personnel will begin damage assessments. As stated in the co-op’s Emergency Operations Plan, co-op personnel have specific assigned areas of the distribution system that they check for damage.

            “These assessments help the restoration process by helping us know where the most serious damage has occurred in our transmission and distribution infrastructure. Our initial efforts will be directed at making repairs that will restore power to the largest number of members in the quickest and safest manner,” Barrow said.

            RESTORATION PRIORITIES

            Repair or rebuilding efforts are focused on areas of the system that can result in power being restored to the largest number of members. For example, a transmission line that supplies power to several substations would be repaired first because that could restore electricity to members served by those substations, providing the feeder and tap lines that serve them are intact. Once power is restored to the substations, feeder lines that branch out from each substation would be repaired. Individual service lines to homes and businesses are normally the last to be repaired. Some homes and businesses may not have power restored if they suffer damage that would create unsafe conditions.

            EXTRA HELP AVAILABLE

            Clay Electric can call on contract crews and personnel from electric co-ops in areas not affected by the storm for their assistance through mutual aid agreements. Several years ago, Clay crews assisted co-ops in Mississippi and South Carolina when hurricanes struck those areas. Clay crews also traveled toSouthwest Florida to help an electric co-op heavily damaged by Hurricane Charley in 2004.

            SHARING INFORMATION WITH MEMBERS

            Clay Electric will share information about restoration efforts through its contacts in the broadcast and print media. Having a battery-powered radio will help members stay informed of restoration updates and estimated lengths of outages.

            BE CAREFUL WITH PORTABLE GENERATORS

            For members of the co-op who plan to use a portable generator unit during an extended outage, Barrow issued a safety warning.

            “The improper use of these devices can cause an extremely dangerous situation if they back feed electricity into the co-op’s distribution system,” he said. “This could result in serious injury or death to an unsuspecting serviceman, neighbor or family member.”

            Portable generators should never be wired into a home’s electrical panel or into a receptacle that’s connected to an electrical panel. Appliances should be plugged directly into the generator or connected to a heavy extension cord that’s plugged into the generator. Follow all operating and safety instructions provided by the portable generator’s manufacturer.

            IF YOU DEPEND ON ELECTRICITY FOR HEALTH REASONS

            If you or a family member depend upon on electric-powered equipment to maintain health, the co-op suggests you find an alternate source of power or consider relocating to an area where power has not been interrupted by the storm.

            IF YOU PLAN TO EVACUATE

            If you intend to evacuate your home, please turn off appliances just like you would if you were going on vacation. If the home is located in a flood-prone area, you should turn off the electricity at the main breaker panel if you leave.

            TOLL-FREE OUTAGE REPORTING LINE

            Members of Clay Electric who need to report an outage should use the co-op’s toll-free automated outage reporting line: 1-888-434-9844.

POWER OUTAGE MAP

Members can see the extent of power outages that may be occurring in the cooperative’s 14-county service by visiting its web site at clayelectric.com. Click on Power Outage Map and then click on View the Power Outage Map. To view outages by county, click on the “More” button in the lower right hand side of the screen.