If a storm would happen to come our way during what’s left of winter, BCREMC wants everyone to know how to stay safe and warm during the recovery effort.

“In a winter storm emergency, restoring power and heat to consumers is the highest priority, and electric utility crews work around the clock to restore service,” said Dan Raines, Bartholomew County REMC line superintendent/safety director. 

If you must venture outside, be alert to the possibility of electrical hazards: 

Stay away from downed power lines and watch out for tree limbs or debris that may hide an electrical hazard. 

Treat all downed or hanging power lines as if they are energized. Warn others to stay away and contact BCREMC. 

A power line does not need to be sparking or arcing to be energized, even if it’s sagging close to or on the ground. 

Other utility lines can also become energized by being in contact with an electrical line. 

Lines that appear to be “dead” can become energized as crews work to restore power, or sometimes from improper use of emergency generators.

BCREMC reminds you that the best thing to do is stay away and let us know the situation so that we can respond.