Electric companies encourage customers to be proactive with storm, wildfire preparation

In response to the record hurricane and wildfire seasons last year, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and its member companies issued a reminder this week for customers to stock, plan, and otherwise prepare early for emergencies that could induce power outages this year.

“Last year’s storm season brought an unprecedented number of named storms and many wildfires, which impacted customers and communities across the nation,” Scott Aaronson, EEI’s vice president for Security & Preparedness, said. “Based on current forecasts, electric companies again are expecting and preparing for above-average storm and wildfire seasons.”

From a torrent of hurricanes and tropical storms in the east and south to wildfires across the west, derechos, and even a major snowstorm in Texas, 2020 demonstrated how brutal nature could be. Millions were left without power at various points. While companies have been investing in hardening and resilience measures and actively engage in mutual assistance during disasters, they agreed that simple, day-by-day preparation on an individual level could be beneficial as well.

Such preparations include utilizing governmental resources, such as the plans laid out by www.ready.gov, or industry tips, such as those offered by EEI for hurricane and wildfire safety. Local weather reports provide important details day-by-day and hour-by-hour, but knowledge of evacuation routes can also help during emergencies. Awareness helps, but the companies also agreed the development of an emergency plan that takes into account a family’s individual needs, as well as the stocking of an emergency outage kit and non-perishable supplies, while making sure that electric companies have one’s current contact information, can all save major headaches during outages.

On the corporate side, the electric power industry tends to work together to identify potential resource needs and gather additional crews, equipment, and supplies from across the country to support those in need of power restoration before, during, and after major events.