Bonita Harris

FRANKLIN

Although the path of Hurricane Florence continues to change, we are not changing our efforts. We remain focused on preparing in the event that the storm impacts our customers. The safety of our customers and employees is paramount.

Regardless of where Florence makes landfall, it could bring damaging wind, heavy rain and flooding to parts of North and South Carolina, as well as southern Virginia and the Tidewater region. We encourage Dominion Energy customers to follow weather forecasts and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.

We are assembling a large workforce of employees, contractors, and out-of-state assistance to deal with a possible multi-day, extended restoration response. Contractors and crews from neighboring utilities in 11 states are arriving today on the East Coast from as far away as Wisconsin, Ohio and Texas.

We recognize that the elderly in our community, and those with disabilities and health problems, can be more vulnerable during major storm events. We have provided advance warning about Hurricane Florence to customers with who have notified us they have medical needs. We have asked them to make alternate care plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.

Local organizations focus on providing direct assistance, while we focus on repairing the electrical system with our first priority being emergency facilities, hospitals, and 9-1-1 centers who need to respond to those in need.

Here are ways 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 – power outages could affect ATM machines

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

• Non-perishable food

• First aid kit

• Prescriptions

• We encourage customers to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, visit our website at dominionenergy.com for updates, and sign up for text alerts by texting DOM to 898366.

• If you have a generator, be sure it is fueled, tested and properly connected before the severe weather arrives. Improper use of a generator could be life-threatening for customers or for line crews working to restore power. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and always operate outdoors with good ventilation.

• When the storm hits, please beware of downed power lines. Hurricane Florence may cause flooding in areas that have already experienced high rainfall this season. Ground saturation can increase the likelihood of fallen trees and downed wires. 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.

• Dominion Energy’s “wire watchers” play a critical role in keeping customers safe around downed power lines that may be energized and dangerous. “Wire watchers” are employees or contractors who keep the area clear until crews arrive to make repairs.

Our workforce is fully equipped and prepared to work around-the-clock to restore power to all customers as soon as weather conditions make it safe to do so.

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