SLEMCO says they are prepared to restore power outages after the landfall of what is expected to become Hurricane Laura.
Extra materials, equipment and personnel have been acquired to help with restoration efforts.
“Preparations have been made with contractors, suppliers and personnel to ensure we will be able to mobilize immediately to restore power,” said SLEMCO Spokesperson Mary Laurent in a press release. “We have hundreds of contracted lineworkers on-site and more in-route to assist SLEMCO crews.”
Customers are being asked to make immediate plans and be prepared as Laura continues to move closer to the state.
The company says that crews will work outages as Laura moves in, until winds make it unsafe to continue which they say is typically about 30-35 mph.
After the storm passes, crews will begin working outages as soon as winds die down to that same threshold.
“Everyone should be checking supplies and making an evacuation plan now for their family,” Laurent said. “Evacuating is particularly important for those who have medical conditions and who may rely on power for medical equipment. From all indications, this will be a Hurricane Rita or Hurricane Lili situation. Power was out in the hardest hit areas for an extended period of time after both of those storms. We will restore power as quickly and safely as possible, but this is not going to be a quick recovery. Families should plan to be self-sustaining for an extended timeframe.”
SLEMCO provides power to over 109,000 customers in Acadia, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion Parishes.
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.
Download our free app for Apple,Android, Roku and Amazon devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers
