As we’ve already experienced this summer, storms can hit our area quickly, damaging the lines and equipment that bring power to your home. We know you’d like to see your electrical service returned just as quickly, so Broad River Electric Cooperative lineworkers are always ready to respond to outages, no matter the weather.
Each morning, Broad River Electric crews make sure their trucks are equipped with the tools and materials necessary to restore outages. Every vehicle has a computer linked to our outage management system, so crews know exactly where service has been lost as soon as it’s reported.
Throughout the year, we clear limbs, trees, and other vegetation away from power lines. Broad River Electric also has made significant upgrades to the infrastructure—lines, transformers, substations, etc.—that delivers electricity to you.
“Preparation for damaging storms can’t just start when the news tells us bad weather is coming,” says Cary Johnson, vice president of operations and chief operation officer for Broad River Electric. “We prepare all year long through our vegetation management program, the maintenance of our system and the commitment to safety and reliability our crews make every day.”
While Broad River Electric lineworkers are ready to respond to storms, we encourage our members to shelter in place. Here a few tips on how you can be safe and prepared:
Have a plan. In the event of a tornado or hurricane, shelter in a pre-determined safe space such as your basement or a centrally located room.
Have a backup. Make sure your devices are fully charged and portable power banks are ready to go. Stock a storm kit with flashlights, a radio, water, and other essentials.
Stay informed. Listen to local weather updates to track the storm and visit our Facebook page for outage and restoration information.
Stay safe. If you encounter downed lines, stay away, and contact us. Lines may still be energized. If you encounter standing water while driving, turn around and find a safer route.
To report an outage, call (866) 266-7688. You can also report an outage using your Smart Hub App or our online outage reporting form.