North Texas
(2008-09-12)
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Weather Resources |
Oncor's Megan Wright says Hurricane Ike is going to be similar to Hurricane Rita three years ago, when Oncor had 1300 employees and contractors working 12 to 16 hours days restoring power to 220 thousand customers. But, she says IKE could be the single largest storm Oncor's ever encountered, so that's how they're preparing. Wright says the highest impact area is likely to the eastern part of Oncor's service map: including the Athens-Tyler area. But, she says Dallas-Fort Worth will get hit, too.
Wright: If predictions hold true, we're expecting the damage resulting from Hurricane Ike, even in this area where we are not very close to the coast, could be extensive. And we could possible have outages. We're making sure we have the right crews in the right spots. We are in constant contact with state and local officials, constantly watching the weather and monitoring the situation.
Wright says if you encounter a downed power line stay away from it, and call 9-1-1. If the power goes off at home, call Oncor using the outage call number printed on your last electric bill plus use the Easy ID number the E-S-I number.
Wright says that helps get the call for repair service into the system more quickly. And she says have a storm safety kit handy: bottled water, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, and emergency phone numbers and information.
© Copyright 2009, KERA
