FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reynolds | September 26, 2024
In preparation for Hurricane Helene, Flint Energies offices in Warner Robins, Reynolds and Upatoi will be closed to the public on Friday, September 27, however, drive thru lanes will be open for service during normal business hours. We plan to reopen all Flint Energies offices on Monday, September 30 at 8 a.m. Members can report power outages by calling 888.354.6836, through Flint’s mobile app or text OUTAGE to 352667.
Tropical storm winds from Hurricane Helene combined with heavy rains could lead to power outages starting this evening and throughout the weekend. Flint Energies urges all its Members to prepare for widespread, extended outages. Flint is expecting thousands of members to be without power for several days, not hours. Flint has several crews coming from around the country and have requested additional crews to assist with power restoration efforts.
Check these areas to see if you're ready:
• Light - Secure flashlights, battery-powered lanterns and extra batteries. Avoid light sources that require a flame or fire.
• Water - If you depend on a well, you need to fill bathtubs or other large containers for household use, like flushing toilets. Fill clean pitchers or jugs for drinking water. If you have livestock or poultry, secure a stand-by generator to run the well. If you’re on a community water system, listen for advisories to boil water in case water treatment plants are affected.
• Food - Nonperishable foods that don't need cooking are ideal, like canned fruit, powdered milk, peanut butter, bread and crackers. Don't forget a manual can opener!
• Information - Get a portable radio or TV with extra batteries for local information and a NOAA Weather Radio for weather warnings. A wind-up or battery powered alarm clock might come in handy. Remember to charge your cell phone or have a car charger.
• Loved Ones - Have a contingency plan in place for patients who have a medical necessity for electricity. This includes backup power, extra supplies or an alternate location until the outage is over.
For background information on power outages and the current status of outages, log on to flintoutages.com.
If power goes out, take steps to protect your family and property:
• Limit freezer and refrigerator door openings. Food will keep longer if doors remain closed. Check items for spoilage before serving. Don't cook inside with charcoal.
• Turn off all large appliances that come on automatically, like electric water heaters and air conditioners. Make sure appliances you were using when the outage occurred, like ovens, stoves, irons or power tools are turned off.
• Disconnect sensitive electronics like TVs, VCRs and computers to avoid damage from surges.
• When the power comes back on, give the electric system a chance to stabilize by gradually using the appliances you turned off. Use only the most essential first and wait 15 minutes on the others, including water and space heating.
Pay attention to electrical safety during outages:
• If you use a portable generator, isolate it from our lines. Generators that are not isolated can feed back into our electrical system and possibly electrocute anyone coming in contact with those wires. If you don't have a double-throw transfer switch installed, plug appliances directly into the generator using a properly sized extension cord.
• Don't try to remove or clear trees tangled in power lines.
• Stay away from any downed lines (no matter what type) and call your power company or 911.
• Do not touch a power line with any other object (brooms, boards, plastic, etc.) and do not touch any object in contact with a power line (car, tree limb, person, etc.).
Contact:
Marian McLemore, VP, Cooperative Communications, 478.218.5600, mmclemore@flintemc.com
Blair Brown, Cooperative Communications Specialist, 478.218.5547, bbrown@flintemc.com