FRANKLIN

Bonita Harris, media and community relations manager for Dominion Energy, said DE is in “prep mode,” and provided this update on Tuesday afternoon. She expects more information will be available on Wednesday.

“We are augmenting our staff with contractors, and we’re talking with neighboring utilities about how to support each other through the storm,” said Harris. “Regardless of where Florence makes landfall, it could bring damaging winds and heavy rain to our region. Dominion Energy customers should follow weather forecasts and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.”

Here are ways that customers can prepare for possible power outages caused by Hurricane Florence:

• Set up an online account to make it easier to report and track power outages from any mobile device.

• Ensure your contact information with Dominion Energy is updated.

• Bookmark our website on your mobile device to make it easier to report outages: https://www.dominionenergy.com/hurricaneprep

• Put together an emergency prep kit that includes:

– Batteries and flashlights

– Cash, because power outages could affect ATM machines

– Water (1 gallon, per person, per day)

– Non-perishable food

– First aid kit

– Prescriptions

• If you have a generator, be sure it is fueled, tested, and properly connected before the severe weather arrives. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and always operate outdoors with good ventilation.

• When the storm hits, please beware of downed power lines. Very high winds and rain can cause trees and branches to fall, which may bring down power lines. Stay at least 30 feet away and make sure your family, pets, and neighbors also avoid the downed wire. Call Dominion Energy right away at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) to speak with an agent to report the downed wire.

“We remain vigilant at Dominion Energy. Here’s some helpful info for our Spanish=-speaking customers:

Si pierde el servicio de energía eléctrica, usted puede reportarlo desde su teléfono celular en www.dominionenergy.com. Además puede llamar a la línea de Servicio al Cliente al 1-866-366-4357. Para español oprima o diga 7. Para más información en español, visite:www.dominionenergy.com/para-servirlos

Translation: If you lose power, you can report it from your cell phone at www.dominionenergy.com. You can also call our Customer Service line at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357). For Spanish, press 7. For more information in Spanish, visit https://www.dominionenergy.com/para-servirlos

BONITA HARRIS is the media and community relations manager for Dominion Energy.