Cleco and SLEMCO say they are monitor the storms that is expected to make its way into the Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana may see some impact from this storm by the weekend.
KATC’s Hurricane Safety Guide will get you prepared for what you need to know before any tropical system makes landfall, during a storm and afterwards.See that here
Cleco says they are closely monitoring Tropical Depression Nine which is predicted to enter the northern or western Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm or hurricane late this weekend or early next week.
"Cleco is closely monitoring this storm," said Clint Robichaux, manager of distribution operations support. "While the exact path of this storm has not yet been determined, Cleco crews are on alert and equipment secured. We are ready to respond, and we ask our customers to prepare, as well."
Cleco encourages customers to:
- Prepare a storm kit – gather supplies you might need during a power outage, including flashlights, batteries, canned food, manual can opener, bottled water, medication and a first aid kit.
- Develop an evacuation plan in case you have to evacuate.
- Have a battery-powered radio to receive updates from the media.
- Review your insurance policies.
- Take pictures or video of the inside and outside areas of your home or business for potential insurance needs.
- Plan ahead for medical or special needs, including your pets.
- Make provisions for a generator, if needed, and test the generator to ensure it works.
- Remember to call 911 and Cleco at 1-800-622-6537 to report an unsafe situation involving electricity. For additional storm preparation and safety tips, visit cleco.com and follow us on Facebook @ClecoPower.
SLEMCO says they are also carefully monitoring weather forecasts, which most weather models indicate will likely affect the Acadiana area early next week. The National Hurricane Center is currently forecasting a landfall approach at, or near major hurricane intensity as early as Sunday.
The company says it is ready with extra materials and equipment.
Contractors have been secured to assist SLEMCO crews with power restoration. Because of the projected path, SLEMCO is securing all necessary equipment, materials and manpower to handle a major hurricane making landfall in our service area later this weekend.
They say all SLEMCO customers should carefully monitor weather reports and be ready to make preparations for the safety of their families, homes and businesses, should the storm make landfall in our area.
“Everyone should be on alert and paying close attention to National Hurricane Center forecasts,” said SLEMCO Spokesperson Mary Laurent. “They should be checking supplies and making an evacuation plan now for their family, particularly if they use medical equipment that requires electricity.”
Evacuation planning is particularly important for those in low-lying areas, as flooding rains and storm surge often accompany major hurricanes. “We will restore power as quickly and safely as possible, but all families should plan to be self-sustaining for an extended timeframe if we end up with a direct hit from a major storm,” Laurent said.
SLEMCO provides power to over 109,000 customers in Acadia, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion Parishes.
Entergy
Entergy New Orleans, LLC and Entergy Louisiana, LLC says they are monitoring and planning for the potential impacts from Tropical Storm Ida.
Entergy is encouraging customers to monitor local weather alerts and have their storm plans in place. For preparation and safety tips, customers can visit the Entergy Storm Center at entergystorm.com.
According to the company, crews and contractors are on alert and will be ready to safely restore power as quickly as possible if needed. They are going through their pre-storm checklists and making sure that additional supplies, including poles, transformers and other pole-top equipment, are on hand.
Entergy says they will use the following platforms to keep customers informed before, during and after a storm:
Entergy App – Customers can use the app to report outages or check on the status of power at their home or business.
Text alerts – Customers can register for outage text alerts through myEntergy. Be sure to update your notification preferences to participate in text alerts. Customers also can sign up for text messages about storm and restoration efforts by texting REG to 36778.
· Entergy Storm Center website – The website has storm safety, preparation and restoration information that is updated regularly.
· Social media – Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana provide storm restoration updates through their Facebook and Twitter pages.
· Entergy’s View Outages website – The website includes maps that show where outages are located and give information about restoration progress.
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