From Duke Energy Progress
Safety reminders
· If you plan to use a generator due to a power outage, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and proper operation. Operate your generator outside. Never operate it inside a building or garage.
· Don’t use grills or other outdoor appliances or equipment indoors for space heating or cooking, as these devices may omit carbon monoxide.
· Check and restock your emergency kits with flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable foods, medicines, etc. Also, ensure a portable, battery-operated radio, TV or NOAA radio is on hand.
· Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized as well as trees or limbs in contact with lines. Please report downed power lines to Duke Energy.
· If a power line falls across a car that you’re in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
· If you are driving and encounter emergency responders or other roadside work crews, remember to MOVE OVER, it’s the law in North Carolina and South Carolina, and a good practice for all drivers.
· Don’t use outdoor appliances or equipment indoors for space heating or cooking, as these devices may omit carbon monoxide. The following are symptoms of CO poisoning:
· Flu-like symptoms
· Headache
· Drowsiness
· Ringing sensation in the ears
· Nausea
· Blurred vision
· Chest pains
· Light-headedness or dizziness
· If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, open doors and windows, leave your home / business and consult a physician.
Reporting outages
Customers who experience an outage during the storm have multiple ways on how to report it:
· Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply)
· Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.POWERON for Duke Energy Carolinas customers and 800-419-6356 for Duke Energy Progress customers.
· Report an outage or view current outages online at www.dukeenergyupdates.com
· Duke Energy also will provide updates on its social media channels to keep customers informed if significant outages occur:
· Duke Energy on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DukeEnergy
· Duke Energy on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DukeEnergy
Stay inside, safe and warm.