During tornado season it is important to remember safety precautions. Although tornadoes can occur at any time, the U.S. tornado season typically runs from March through November or sometimes into early December, according to AccuWeather. Tornadoes cause an average of 80 U.S. fatalities annually, and tornadoes and their destruction killed a total of 41 people in 2019. Eight people have already been killed by tornadoes, and their damage in 2020 as a result of a two-day severe weather outbreak in January.
On Sunday and Monday storms rolled across North Carolina causing downed trees and power outages.
Duke Energy continues to adhere to coronavirus-related protective measures for power line crews and tree crews and asks that customers maintain social distancing. Avoid approaching Duke Energy crews in the field or entering their work zone as they restore power; if you do need to speak with someone, be advised that employees will maintain at least six feet of separation.
Some of the company’s proactive measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 may impact the ability to move crews – across the state and from out of state – and provide overnight housing. All incoming crews will follow screening protocols including health questionnaires, proactive reporting of possible exposures, removal from work and self-isolation.
Important safety reminders
The company provided the following reminders to customers:
- If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and stay away. Report downed lines to Duke Energy immediately. Click here for a video demonstration and to read more about safety around power lines.
- Never bring a generator indoors. Generators should be operated only outdoors, and only in well-ventilated areas. Manufacturer instructions should be followed.
- Adhere to stay-at-home orders and help crews avoid distraction by supporting social distancing guidelines as they work. If it is necessary to leave home, customers should move over or slow down if they see utility crews or other first responders working along roads.
Tips for protecting refrigerated food during a power outage
For customers without power who have filled their refrigerators and freezers as part of their stay-at-home plans, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the following tips:
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.
- A refrigerator can keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. If the power will be out for more than 4 hours, use coolers to keep refrigerated food cold.
- A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
The FDA offers additional tips for proper food handling and storage before, during and after a power outage at www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-
Outage reporting
Customers who experience an outage during the storm can report it by:
- Visiting duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device
- Texting OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply)
- Calling the automated outage-reporting system at 800-769-3766 for Duke Energy Carolinas customers and 800-419-6356 for Duke Energy Progress customers.
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