Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is actively monitoring the significant winter weather system projected to result in wet snow and ice accumulations across its service territory. Joining REC’s workforce are a large number of electric cooperative crews from other states and contractors. REC’s full team and restoration materials will be pre-staged by Saturday.

“Based on weather predictions, REC is preparing for a multi-day outage event,” said Casey Hollins, managing director – Communications and Public Relations for REC. “Wet snow and ice add weight to power lines, causing them to break, and weigh down trees and limbs, which can lead to power outages.”

For context, a quarter-inch (0.25”) to a half-inch (0.5”) of ice adds anywhere from 100-500 pounds per span of power lines, which can cause widespread issues. Repairing broken poles and power lines and removing downed trees are time-consuming jobs.

“We’re asking our member-owners to take steps now to assemble a storm preparedness kit that will ensure you have the essentials, as well as items to provide peace of mind during an outage,” added Hollins. “Due to the extended forecast of extreme cold temperatures, we also urge you to make alternate arrangements now if you don’t have a backup power or heating source.”

What to do before the storm:

• Plan for a secondary, non-electric heating source.
• Prepare your generator to provide safe backup power if one is available to you (see important safety tips below).
• Gather any extra blankets, bedding, sleeping bags, sweaters and other warm clothing items.
• Find a complete list of items REC recommends you assemble into a storm preparedness kit: myrec.coop/stormprep.
• Before the storm hits, ensure electronics and battery-powered chargers are fully charged so you can stay connected in the event of an emergency.

Stay informed during the weather event:

• Bookmark REC’s outage center: myrec.coop/outagecenter where you can track outages on the Outage Map, find information on the Cooperative’s Outage Restoration process, and more important safety information
• REC offers multiple ways to report power outages:
  • Text OUT to 63273
  • Online at myrec.coop/out or in MyREC SmartHub
  • By calling 1-800-552-3904
• If someone in your home requires electricity for a serious medical condition, review your backup plan for an alternate location with power that you can rely on should power outages occur.

Important safety reminders:

• Always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous. If you see a downed power line, stay away from it and anything that might be in contact with it. Call 911 and contact REC at 800-552-3904 to report downed power lines.
• If your backup power plan includes using a portable generator, be sure to follow all safety guidelines including:
  • Isolate your generator from REC’s power lines using a generator transfer switch which requires installation.
  • Connect appliances or other devices directly to the generator with the appropriate cords. Never connect your generator directly to your home wiring unless you are using a generator transfer switch to operate safely.
  •  Never refuel your generator while it’s operating.
  • Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic fumes. Do not place a portable generator in a closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.

About Rappahannock Electric Cooperative 

Serving over 184,000 connections across portions of 22 Virginia counties, REC is a pillar in its communities, with over 18,000 miles of power lines extending from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.