NEC Retail Electricity: Hurricane Guide

2015 Hurricane Preparedness Guide

Do You Know the Difference Between “Watches” and “Warnings”?

Watch - Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the area, usually within 48 hours. Warning - Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the area, within 36 hours.

When a hurricane is in the gulf, monitor the National Hurricane Center for up-to-date information and warnings:

www.nhc.noaa.gov or www.hurricanes.gov

NEC Retail is unable to help get your power back on.

AEP Delivery Areas Texas-New Mexico 1-866-223-8508 1-888-866-7456www.aeptexas.com

Oncor Delivery Area1-888-313-4747http://stormcenter.oncor.com/default.html

CenterPoint Delivery Area1-800-332-7143http://gis.centerpointenergy.com/outagetracker

Contact Your Power Line Company Directly for Any Outage-Related Issues:

Basic Storm Safety…• Unplugmajorappliancestoprotectthemfroma

powersurgewhenpowercomesbackon.• Leavealightturnedonsoyouknowwhenpower

isrestored.• Refuelheaters,lamps,andgeneratorsoutside,

andstayawayfromanyflamesorsparks.Wipeupfuelspillsimmediately.

• Donotpluggeneratorsdirectlyintowalloutlets--thisprotectsyouandourlineworkersastheyworktorestorepower.

• Neveroperategenerators,lanterns,heaters,orfuel-firedstoveswithoutproperventilation.

• Avoiddownedpowerlinesorsparkingequip-ment.

• Neverremovedebristhat’swithin10feetofapowerline.

• Preventchildrenfromcarryingcandlesoroillamps.

~Important! ~

Prep

aredness K

it

□ Copy of driver’s license □ Printed emergency contact list or

address book (even if contacts are stored in a smartphone)

□ Insurance policies (health, home, auto) □ Vital documents (birth certificates, pass-

ports, wills) □ Bank account information (account num-

bers, passwords) □ Cash and change □ Photocopies of credit and debit cards

(front and back) □ Stock certificates, investment info □ Extra keys (home, safe deposit box,

office and car)

Documents & Finance

□ Paper plates & napkins □ Duct tape □ Matches □ Foil □ Tools □ Signal Flare □ Ponchos □ Blanket or sleeping bag per person □ Battery-powered, portable radio or por-

table TV and plenty of extra batteries □ Flashlight and extra batteries □ Eyeglasses □ Games, such as cards, and quiet toys □ Seasonal change of clothing, including

sturdy shoes

Supplies

□ Garbage bags □ Large trash cans □ Towelettes □ Bar soap and liquid detergent □ Shampoo □ Toothpaste and toothbrushes □ Feminine hygiene supplies □ Toilet paper □ Household bleach □ Rubber gloves

Sanitary

□ Water: 1 gallon per person per day.

Water

□ Bandaids □ Gauze □ Roller bandages □ Antiseptic □ Latex gloves □ Adhesive tape, 2-inch width □ Anti-bacterial ointment □ Cold pack □ Small scissors □ Tweezers □ Sunscreen □ Thermometer □ Safety Pins □ CPR breathing barrier/ face shield □ Non-prescription drugs (e.g., aspirin or

non-aspirin pain relievers)

First Aid

□ Ready-to-eat, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup and cereals, fruits and vegetables, canned or box juices, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, bread and any spe-cial dietary items you and your family need.

□ Dry milk and juices □ Manual can opener □ Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier,

soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices

□ Food, water, leash and carrier for pets

Food

□ Start with an easy to carry, watertight container. A large, plastic trash can will do, or you can line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags.

□ When storing your documents, use a portable, waterproof (airtight) bag that’s brightly colored, so you can quickly find it in the dark.

Getting Started

2015 NEC Retail Hurricane Guide

Tropical DepressionAnorganizedsystemofcloudsandthunderstormswithadefinedsurfacecirculationandmaximumsustainedwindsof38mph(33knots)orless.

Sustained winds Aredefinedasone-minuteaver-agewindswhicharemeasuredatabout33ft(10meters)abovethesurface.

Tropical Storm Anorganizedsystemofstrongthunderstormswithadefinedsurfacecirculationandmaximumsustainedwindsof39-73mph(34-63knots).

GustAbriefsuddenincreaseinwindspeed.Generallythedurationislessthan20secondsandthefluc-tuationgreaterthan10mph.

Hurricane Anintensetropicalweathersys-temofstrongthunderstormswithawell-definedsurfacecirculationandmaximumsustainedwindsof74mph(64knots)orhigher.

Storm Surge Adomeofwaterpushedonshorebyhurricaneandtropicalstormwinds.

Storm Tide Acombinationofstormsurgeandthenormaltide(e.g.,a15-footstormsurgecombinedwitha2-ft.normaltideoverthemeansealevelcreatesa17-footstormtide.)

Tropical DisturbanceAnorganizedmassofthunder-stormsinthetropicsthanlastsformorethan24hours,hasaslightcycloniccirculation,andwindslessthan23mph.

Learn the Terms Used by Weather Forecasters


Do you or anyone you know need some form of assistance during times of an emergency/disas-ter event? The state of Texas offers the option to register with the STEAR program, a FREE registry that provides local emergency planners and responders with additional information on the needs in their community.

Registering yourself in the STEAR registry does not guarantee that you will receive a specific ser-vice during an emergency. Available services will vary by community. For more information on how your community will use information in the STEAR registry, contact your local emergency manage-ment office.)

Who Should Register?People with Disabilities, limited mobility, com-munication barriers, require additional medical assistance during an emergency event, require transportation assistance, require personal care assistance.

How to RegisterDial 2-1-1 or use your video phone relay option of choice to contact 211. They will collect your: • Name & contact information• Emergency Contact Information• Caregiver Information• Pets• Transportation assistance needs• Disability, Functional or Medical Needs

Registration is voluntary and all of the information you provide will be kept completely confidential.

STATE OF TEXAS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE REGISTRY (STEAR)

To register for STEAR assistance, dial

2-1-1

Whenstormshit,yourpowercompanylineworkersrushtoyouraidassoonasweatherconditionsallowtomakerepairssafely.

Linecrewstakenecessaryprecautionsbeforetheyworkondownedpowerlinestoverifyacircuithasbeende-energized,andthatproperswitchesareopenedandtaggedtoisolatethecircuitfromthepowerdistributionsystem.

Butevenafterthesemeasures,workers’livesremaininyourhands.Portablegenerators,widelyusedwhenpowerlinesaredown,canprovefataltolineworkersandyourneighborswhenusedimproperly.

Ageneratorconnectedtoahome’swiringorpluggedintoareg-ularhouseholdoutletcancausebackfeedingalongpowerlinesandelectrocuteanyonewhocomesincontactwiththem—evenifthelineseemsdead.

Lineworkersarenottheonlyonesindangerwhenaportablegeneratorisusedimproperly.Generatorownersthemselvesmaybeatriskofelectrocution,fireinjury,propertydamage,orcarbonmonoxidepoisoningiftheydonotfollowthenecessarysafetyrules.

NECRetailencouragesyoutoprotectthewell-beingandsafety

ofyourfamilyduringoutages,andsafeguardthosewhocometoyouraidduringemergencysituations.Whenweworktogetherforthegoodofourcommunities,weallbenefit.

1. Determinewhatlightingandappliancesyouwillwanttouseandchooseageneratorthatproducesmorepowerthanwillbedrawn.

2. Itisbesttoplugappliancesdirectlyintothegeneratorusingheavyduty,outdoorextensioncords.

3. Everyyear,peopledieduetocarbonmonoxide(CO)poi-soningfromusingportablegenerators.We can’t say it enough: Never Use a Generator Indoors!Thisincludesagarage,carport,basement,orotherenclosedorpartially-enclosedarea,evenwithventilation.OpeningwindowsorusingfanswillnotpreventCObuildupinthehome.COcan’tbeseenorsmelled.Ifyoustarttofeelsick,dizzy,orweak,gettofreshairRIGHTAWAY-DONOTDELAY!Placethegeneratorawayfromwindows,doors,andvents.

Please Use Generators Safely

Keep You and Your Powerline Workers Safe

Generators 101


Photo taken by George Gongora and published in the Corpus Christi Caller Times

LEEWARD ISLANDS

WINDWARD ISLANDSBARBADOS

LEEWARD ISLANDS

WINDWARD ISLANDSBARBADOS

2015 NEC Hurricane Guide

.

Many of the roofs destroyed by hurricanes

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have dam-age to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sus-tain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.

Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.

Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Category 1: 74-95 mph

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale




Category 5: 156 + mph

Fun Fact: The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale was first developed in the early 1970s by Herbert Saffir, a consult-ing engineer who lived in Florida, and Dr. Robert Simpson, who was then director of the National Hurricane Center.

2015 Storm NamesAnaBill

ClaudetteDannyErikaFredGrace

HenriIda

JoaquinKateLarryMindy

Nicholas

OdettePeterRoseSam

TeresaVictorWanda


OutsideYourHomeȗ Locatestormshutters,boards,garagesupports,

hardwaretoolsȗ DONOTPRUNETREES.Tree/brushcollection

willbedelayedandloosebranchesmaybecomedangerous.

ȗ Fillyourevacuationvehiclewithfuel.Parksparevehiclesinthegarageorascloseaspossibletothesideofthehome.

ȗ Locatewater,gasandelectricshutoffs.Shutthemoffifyouevacuate.

ȗ Makehotelreservations.

InsideYourHomeȗ Gooveryourfamilyplanandcompleteevacuation

preparationsȗ Checkhurricanesupplylist,first-aidkit,medical

suppliesandprescriptionstobesureyouhaveleasta2-weeksupply.

ȗ Besureallbattery-operatedTV’s,radios,flashlights,andlanternsareworkingandyouhavesparebatter-ies.

ȗ Placeallvaluablesandcopiesofrecordsinawater-proofcontainer

ȗ Makesureyouhaveenoughcash.

ȗ Secureallwindowswithshuttersorplywood.

ȗ Drainin-groundpoolsandponds.Bringinanyout-doorobjects

ȗ Disconnectgasandpropane,unplugelectronics

ȗ Turnyourrefrigeratorandfreezertothecoldestset-tingsanddonotopen.

ȗ Cleanyourbathtubwithbleachandfillwithwatertouseforflushingandbathing.Notdrinking.

ȗ Followallinstructionsfromlocalofficials,andleaveimmediatelyiftoldtodoso.Turnoffwaterandelec-tricutilities.

ȗ PackyourFamilyDisasterSuppliesKit,extrablan-ketsandsleepingbags.

ȗ Takecopiesofimportantpaperssuchasinsurancepoliciesandalistorphotosofyourhome’scontents.

ȗ Lockwindowsanddoorsbeforeleavinghome.

ȗ Followrecommendedevacuationroutestoavoidfloodedroadsandwashedoutbridges.

ȗ Besuresomeoneknowswhereyouare.

When a Warning is Issued

Do Today - Before the Storm ȗ Monitor local weather forecasts.Signuptoreceive

localweatheralertsbytextore-mail. ȗ Talk to your household about hurricane issues. Cre-

ateahouseholddisasterplan.Chooseanout-of-towncontactforeveryonetocalltosaytheyaresafe.Learnevacuationroutes.Determinehowyouwouldgoandhowyouwouldgetthere.

ȗ Determine the needs of your household members whomayliveelsewherebutneedyourhelpinahurri-cane.Networkwithneighborsandsharecontactnum-bers.Considerthespecialneedsofneighbor,suchasdisabledorthosewithlimitedvisionproblems.Call2-1-1toregisterthosepeopleforevacuationassistance.

ȗ Prepare to survive on your own for at least a week. Assembleadisastersupplykit.Buyfood,firstaid,andhygienesupplies.

ȗ Make plans to secure your property. Shutterofferthebestprotectionforwindows.Asecondoptionistoboardupusingplywoodthatiscuttofitandreadytoinstall.Tapedoesnotpreventwindowsfrombreaking.

ȗ Learn how to shut off utilitiesandwheretheygasandwatershutoffsarelocated.Donotshutoffthegastoseehowitworks.Onlythegascompanycansafelyturnitbackon.

ȗ Be sure trees and shrubs are trimmed. Deadlimbscouldcausepersonalinjuryorpropertydamage.Clearlooseandcloggedguttersanddrainspouts.

ȗ If you have a boat, determine where you will secure it in an emergency.

ȗ Purchase flood insurance well in advance.Thereisa30-daywaitingperiodbeforefloodinsurancetakeseffect.

ȗ Make a record of your personal property. Photographorvideotheinsideandoutsideofyourhomeandper-sonalbelongings.

ȗ Make arrangements for your petsinashelterorincludepetssupplies,ID&records,medications,andcar-riersupplies.

ȗ Assemble important paperwork.Mailcopiestosomeonewholivesoutsideofahurricanezone.Includepolicies,contracts,deeds,bonds,passports,shotrecords,houseinventory,marriageandbirthcertificates.

ȗ Learn hotels along the evacuation route ȗ Assemble a list of doctors numbers and prescrip-

tions youwillneed. ȗ Put cash in envelopes for emergencies. ȗ Purchase a generator and learn how to use it ȗ Fill all available gas containers

When a Watch is Issued

The steps to restoring power

Step 1. Transmission towers and lines supply power to one or more transmission sub-stations. These lines seldom fail, but they can be damaged by a hurricane or tornado. Tens ofthousands of people could be served by one high-voltage transmission line, so if there is dam-age here it gets attention first.

Step 2.A co-op may have several local distribution substations, each serving thousandsof consumers. When a major outage occurs, the local distribution substations are checked first.A problem here could be caused by failure in the transmission system supplying the substation.If the problem can be corrected at the substation level, power may be restored to a large num-ber of people.

urricanes and ice storms.Tornadoes and blizzards.

Electric cooperative members have seenthem all. And with such severe weathercomes power outages. Restoring powerafter a major outage is a big job thatinvolves much more than simply throwinga switch or removing a tree from a line.

The main goal is to restore power safelyto the greatest number of members in theshortest time possible.

The major cause of outages is damagecaused by fallen trees. That’s why your elec-tric cooperative has an ongoing right-of-waymaintenance program.

This illustration explains how power typ-ically is restored after a major disaster.

Step 3. Main distribution supply lines are checked next if the problem cannot be iso-lated at the substation. These supply lines carry electricity away from the substation to a groupof consumers, such as a town or housing development. When power is restored at this stage,all consumers served by this supply line could see the lights come on, as long as there is noproblem farther down the line.

Step 4. The final supply lines, called taplines, carry power to the utility poles or under-ground transformers outside houses or other build-ings. Line crews fix the remaining outages based onrestoring service to the greatest number of consumers.

Step 5. Sometimes, damage will occuron the service line between your house and thetransformer on the nearby pole.This can explain why you haveno power when your neighbordoes. Your co-op needs to knowyou have an outage here, so a ser-vice crew can repair it.

Co-op office

Localsubstation

Localsubstation

Local substation

Otherco-ops

Report your outage to the cooper-ative office. Employees or responseservices use every available phone lineto receive your outage reports.Remember that a major outage canaffect thousands of other members.Your cooperative appreciates yourpatience.

During a major outage, othercooperatives send line crews to assistwith restoring power. These addi-tional crews, as well as communica-tions, equipment and supplies, arecoordinated through the coopera-tives’ statewide organization.

After a major power outage Area enlarged: Consumers themselves(not the co-op) are responsible for damage to the service installation on the building. Yourco-op can’t fix anything beyond this point. Call a licensed electrician.

Transmissionsubstation

Individual households may receivespecial attention if loss of electricityaffects life support systems or posesanother immediate danger. If you or afamily member depend on life sup-port, call your cooperative before anemergency arises.

Tap Line

Tap Line

DANGER!Stay clearof fallen

lines

Reprinted from Carolina Country, the monthy magazine for North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives

steps2restore.qxd 7/25/06 10:24 AM Page 2

urricanes and ice storms. Floods and fires. Chances are you have seen a few of these weather conditions.

And with severe weather comes power outages. Restoring power after a major outage is a big job that involves much more than simply throwing a switch or removing a tree from a line.

The main goal is to restore power to the largest

number of people in the shortest amount of time possible.

The major cause of outages is damage caused by fallen trees. That’s why electric compa-nies have ongoing right-of-way maintenance programs.

This illustration explains how power typically is restored after a major disaster.

The steps to restoring power

Step 1. Transmission towers and lines supply power to one or more transmission sub-stations. These lines seldom fail, but they can be damaged by a hurricane or tornado. Tens ofthousands of people could be served by one high-voltage transmission line, so if there is dam-age here it gets attention first.

Step 2.A co-op may have several local distribution substations, each serving thousandsof consumers. When a major outage occurs, the local distribution substations are checked first.A problem here could be caused by failure in the transmission system supplying the substation.If the problem can be corrected at the substation level, power may be restored to a large num-ber of people.

urricanes and ice storms.Tornadoes and blizzards.

Electric cooperative members have seenthem all. And with such severe weathercomes power outages. Restoring powerafter a major outage is a big job thatinvolves much more than simply throwinga switch or removing a tree from a line.

The main goal is to restore power safelyto the greatest number of members in theshortest time possible.

The major cause of outages is damagecaused by fallen trees. That’s why your elec-tric cooperative has an ongoing right-of-waymaintenance program.

This illustration explains how power typ-ically is restored after a major disaster.

Step 3. Main distribution supply lines are checked next if the problem cannot be iso-lated at the substation. These supply lines carry electricity away from the substation to a groupof consumers, such as a town or housing development. When power is restored at this stage,all consumers served by this supply line could see the lights come on, as long as there is noproblem farther down the line.

Step 4. The final supply lines, called taplines, carry power to the utility poles or under-ground transformers outside houses or other build-ings. Line crews fix the remaining outages based onrestoring service to the greatest number of consumers.

Step 5. Sometimes, damage will occuron the service line between your house and thetransformer on the nearby pole.This can explain why you haveno power when your neighbordoes. Your co-op needs to knowyou have an outage here, so a ser-vice crew can repair it.

Co-op office

Localsubstation

Localsubstation

Local substation

Otherco-ops

Report your outage to the cooper-ative office. Employees or responseservices use every available phone lineto receive your outage reports.Remember that a major outage canaffect thousands of other members.Your cooperative appreciates yourpatience.

During a major outage, othercooperatives send line crews to assistwith restoring power. These addi-tional crews, as well as communica-tions, equipment and supplies, arecoordinated through the coopera-tives’ statewide organization.

After a major power outage Area enlarged: Consumers themselves(not the co-op) are responsible for damage to the service installation on the building. Yourco-op can’t fix anything beyond this point. Call a licensed electrician.

Transmissionsubstation

Individual households may receivespecial attention if loss of electricityaffects life support systems or posesanother immediate danger. If you or afamily member depend on life sup-port, call your cooperative before anemergency arises.

Tap Line

Tap Line

DANGER!Stay clearof fallen

lines

Reprinted from Carolina Country, the monthy magazine for North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives

steps2restore.qxd 7/25/06 10:24 AM Page 2

Help fromothers

During a major outage, power companies receive help from their partners. These additional crews, as well as communications, equipment and supplies, are coor-dinated within the power compa-nies emergency response plan.

Report your outage directly to your power line company: AEP, Oncor, Centerpoint, etc... Remember that a major outage can affect thousands of other people. During times like these your power company will appre-ciate your patience.

Individual households may receive special attention if loss of electricity affects life support or poses another immediate danger. If you have a life-support system in your home, you need to make arrangements BEFORE an emer-gency arises.

Power Co.