Alabama Power said it is prepared for the possibility of widespread power outages during the anticipated weekend winter storm.
As of Tuesday morning, Alabama Power expects customers in the northern part of the state to be most impacted.
“We’ll continue to monitor the weather forecast, and when we officially determine where we will be hit the hardest, that’s where we’ll deploy crews,” said Danielle Spike, an Alabama Power spokesperson.
All crews are on call. Crews will be set up and ready in areas expected to feel the effects of this winter storm, with a majority of resources going toward higher risk communities, which has yet to be determined.
Alabama Power has outside contractors from across the country who are called in when the effects of weather will cause significant damage. Contract crews have not been called but will be if needed, Spikes said.
If widespread power outages occur, repair times could be delayed because of road and weather conditions.
“We ask customers to be patient with us, but understand we are doing our best to get power restored to them as quickly as possible, and we want to do it in a safe manner,” Spikes said.
The Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency encourages residents to create a weather safety kit which includes, but not limited to, some of the following:
- Heater
- Generator
- Extra blankets
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Water
- Non-perishable foods
- Portable chargers
- Needed medication
“First of all, do not panic,” said Tuscaloosa County EMA Director Nick Lolley. “I see all of these social media posts of people putting stuff out wanting to cause panic. The meteorologist, the trusted ones we work with in the area, they do not want you to panic.”
While there’s no need to frantically run around, it’s time to be prepared, Lolley said.
If winter storms cause dangerous road conditions and power outages, residents should have what they need to last until Monday without having to leave the house.
“Take care of yourself between now and Friday in any way you can,” Lolley said. “You’ve got plenty of time.”
Ahead of the weekend, Lolley advises residents to make sure their homes are winterized:
- Make sure heat unit is working
- Make sure all windows and entryways are properly sealed to keep the cold out and the heat in
- Cover outside spickets with foam coverings
- If you have exposed exterior pipes, cover those with poly foam
