Latest Tri-County EMC October Newsletter  MENU STORM CENTER You are here OUTAGE INFORMATION Storm Center Be Prepared for Storms! Storm Checklist To report an outage, call (919) 735-2611 or submit an outage report. If your lights go off during a storm, be prepared for the power outage. Assemble supplies to have on hand rather than rushing around when the storm is coming and waiting in long lines for milk or bread. Rotate your supplies to keep them fresh and use the following checklist to prepare for power outages: Have Plenty of Food Keep a 3- to 5-day supply of drinking water in plastic bottles. Plan on at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day. Store a manual can opener with enough nonperishable foods for 3 to 5 days. Canned meats, tuna fish and peanut butter are good foods to store. Don’t forget pet foods! Conserve water by using paper plates and plastic utensils. Have a camp stove or grill for outdoor cooking. Stay In Touch Have a portable,battery-powered radio and alarm clock. Have one non-portable phone that will work even if power is interrupted. Plan where to meet and how to communicate with family members if separated. Keep essential family member contact information near your phone, in your wallet, and in your glove compartment. Keep Things Going Keep plenty of gas in your car. Keep extra batteries, matches, propane, charcoal and firewood. Stay Happy, Healthy and Warm Coordinate with neighbors for care of the elderly and disabled living alone. Maintain a supply of prescriptions, nonprescription drugs, vitamins and special dietary foods. Playing cards, books, drawing and writing supplies, and board games help pass the time. If you have a video camera and tapes, your family can make a storm documentary. Keep sanitary and personal hygiene supplies replenished. Premoistened cleansing towelettes are useful and help conserve water. Use plastic trash bags and ties for garbage. Put first-aid kits in your home and car. Make sure you have cold weather clothing, foul weather gear, blankets and sleeping bags. Consider purchasing alternative UL-approved heating devices. For example, a fireplace insert or woodstove will keep the heat in your home instead of up the chimney. Use flashlights and other battery-operated lighting instead of candles. Keep fire extinguishers fully charged. Fill your bathtub with water for bathroom use before the storm (if you have a well). Check to see current weather conditions. Back to Top Quick Links Contact Us Apply for Service Board of Directors Statement of Non-discrimination Contact Info OUTAGES: 919-735-2611 CONTACT: 800-548-4869 About Us Tri-County EMC is a not-for-profit rural electric utility cooperative. We were chartered on May 8th, 1940, by way of the Rural Electrification Act and have since been an affiliate of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We are one of 26 electric cooperatives in North Carolina and over 1,000 cooperatives nationwide. Our primary purpose is to provide safe, efficient electric energy to our members of Wayne, Duplin, Lenoir, Johnston, Jones, Sampson and Wilson counties. Follow Us Online ©2021 Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation. All Rights Reserved.