News for members of Magnolia Electric Power
Drivers can do more to make 4 Mississippi roadways safer
9 Outdoors Today: Back to Africa
Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)
with fresh 14 Cooking Gulf Coast seafood
MHP Capt. John Poulos
10
I
Today in Mississippi I June 2018
PREPARING
for disaster in advance Every year, the U.S. is hit by many natural disasters, including snow and ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. These types of disasters pose a significant threat to our communities and homes. The most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe is to prepare beforehand, but knowing what to do during and after the event is crucial as well. Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region, especially if you’re new to the area. Many of the specifics depend on what type of disaster you’re expecting, but there are several general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare: • Water: You will need one gallon per person per day. If you assume your family of four may be stranded for a week, store a minimum of 28 gallons. • Food: Stock up on non-perishable or long shelf-life items, such as canned fruits, peanut butter, jelly and condensed soups.
• First Aid Kit: Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors and a thermometer. For a full list of suggested items, visit www.redcross.org. • Flashlights and candles: Be sure to keep extra batteries and matches (in a waterproof container) on hand. For additional guidance on emergency items to keep around the house, visit www.ready.gov/build-akit. Also consider training offered by local emergency management services such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes. Some disasters occur suddenly, but many bring advance warnings, like hurricanes and winter storms. Pay special attention during the week leading up to the event for local and state government warnings and evacuation notices. Make sure every family member knows what your emergency plan is: staying or leav-
ing, safe rooms in the house, where supplies are located, what to do if anyone is separated, and how to notify loved ones that you’re safe after the event. It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water and gas shutoff valves are located. While the U.S. electric grid is reliable, it is possible to lose power during a storm. The outage could be momentary or last hours or even days. If you live in an area where loss of power after a storm could be dangerous, consider purchasing a backup generator for your home. These can cost anywhere from a few hundred to few thousand dollars, depending on your needs. Be sure to test the generator before the disaster to ensure it’s operating properly.
Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30 Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage. No doubt there are numerous other items necessary to meet the specific needs of your family. And don’t forget about pets. • Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Cooking tools/fuel • Paper plates/plastic utensils
• Blankets/pillows, etc. • Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Toiletries • Full tanks of gas in vehicles • First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may
not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security Cards, etc. Make sure these items are stored in a water proof container.
June 2018
If you don’t have a backup generator • Similar to filling a bathtub with water and lose power, don’t panic. Most power before a storm, make sure that all cell outages in the U.S. are short and will phones are fully charged. not last more than a few hours. • If the disaster involves lightning, However, without knowing in advance unplug all electronic devices to protect how long the outage will last, it’s wise to against a power surge. assume and act as though it will After the storm, be cautious last for days. Here are a few when leaving your home. general Listen to government warntips for wise energy ings and use common practices during a disassense when approaching ter: any damaged buildings • Consume perishable or fallen trees. If you see and refrigerated foods a power line that is when you need to first before they spoil. down, always assume use a gererator. • Pack frozen foods close the wires are live and dantogether and consider freezing gerous. If possible, call your water bottles to eliminate any air local electric cooperative to report pockets. The frozen water will help keep the downed power line. the food cooler longer. With a little bit of forethought, • Make sure you have alternative lightyou’re highly likely to make it through a ing sources, like candles and flashlights disaster without too many problems. (with spare batteries) located throughout Remember, you and your family’s safety the home. should always come first. • Keep manual tools such as a can For more information on disaster opener on hand to replace any electronic preparedness, visit www.ready.gov. gadgets you typically use.
STOP!
THINK SAFETY
Every summer, people in south Mississippi brace themselves for the potential threats brought on by hurricane season. The 2018 season begins Jun. 1 and continues through Nov. 30. “We are committed to providing our member-consumers with dependable and safe service in all kinds of weather,” said Darrell Smith, manager of Magnolia Electric Power. “Once a hurricane reaches the Gulf of Mexico, we will be prepared and ready to work our plan in case storms produced by hurricane winds affect our service area.” Magnolia Electric Power members should also make plans to protect life and property if severe storms threaten our region this season (see box at the bottom of page 10).
I
Today in Mississippi
Debby Ernesto Florence
Tip of the
Month
Gordon Helene Isaac
Joyce Kirk Leslie
Michael Nadine Oscar
Even the handiest of handymen shouldn’t mess with electricity. Instead of tinkering with plugs and wires, it’s a good idea to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to do electrical work around your house. Not convinced? The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends: I Learn as much about your home electrical system as possible so you will know how to maintain it safely. I Know your limitations. Do not start an electrical project that is beyond your skill level. Getting help from a pro could save your life and prevent a fire. I Turn off the power to the circuit that you will work on. I Unplug any appliance before you work on it. I Test wires to make sure the power has been turned off before you touch them. I Stay away from plumbing and gas pipes when you’re working on electricity.
Going the Extra Mile Did you know electric cooperatives maintain more miles of power lines per consumer and acquire less revenue than other types of electric utilities?
Electric Cooperatives Number of consumers served: 8
Revenue:
$19,000 Other Electric Utilities Number of consumers served: 32
Even though they serve fewer consumers and acquire less revenue (per mile of line), electric co-ops always go the extra mile, maintaining a tried-and-true record of delivering safe, reliable electric service to the members they serve.
Revenue:
Patty Rafael Sara
$79,000
Tony Valerie William
Sources: EIA, 2016 data. Includes revenue and consumer averages per mile of line.
Magnolia Electric Power wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!
Keep warm summer air outside where it belongs! Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows. Source: U.S. Department of Energy
11
DIYers: Don’t mess with electricity
2018 hurricane names Alberto Beryl Chris
I
MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC POWER’S business office will be closed Wednesday, July 4, in observance of
Independence Day In case of a power outage or emergency, please call 601-684-4011. MEP’s answering service and crews will be on standby for any outages during the holiday.