October 28, 2020
For immediate release
EMCs are Monitoring Weather Conditions, Following Emergency Response
Plans and Coordinating Additional Resources
Amicalola EMC and electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) across the state are preparing for Hurricane Zeta as it makes its way toward the northern Gulf Coast. Although the timing and potential impact to Georgia could change, co-op representatives have contingency plans in place and will be prepared for any damage associated with the event.
“It’s still too early to tell what damage Zeta may bring to Georgia, but forecasts currently are predicting high winds, heavy rain and potential flooding in some portions of the state,” says Harry Reeves, vice president of Training, Education and Safety with Georgia EMC. “Residents should be assured that all electric cooperatives across the state are prepared and ready to restore service as quickly as possible in the event we’re affected by this storm.”
Electric cooperatives have been in contact with EMCs within Georgia as well as nearby states to request help and additional support, if needed. To date, South Carolina and Tennessee have pledged crews and equipment, if called upon.
Potential impacts to Georgia include damaging winds and heavy rain, and brief, isolated tornadoes overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service. The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane warnings between Morgan City, LA and the Mississippi/Alabama border.
To be ready for any eventuality, EMCs have mobilized all key personnel and additional contract crews, prepared trucks with emergency equipment and increased supplies of materials should the effects of the hurricane become severe. Key staff members have also been in contact with other emergency service providers such as local EMAs, Police, Fire and Public Works.
The EMCs will continue to watch this storm closely and would like to remind members to keep abreast of Hurricane Zeta and take every precaution in the event the state experiences its effects.