Fredericksburg, Va. – Hurricane season officially started June 1 and continues through November. Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) encourages everyone to take time now to gather supplies that might be needed in the event of a long-term power outage emergency or crisis.

“At REC, our line crews, dispatchers, vegetation management teams and all employees across the co-op work year-round to ensure we are prepared for a major storm,” said Casey Hollins, REC’s managing director Communications and Public Relations. “The best time to prepare is before a hurricane or severe weather event is in the forecast. Just a few simple steps could help maintain your comfort and safety if power outages occur.”

Do not wait until a storm is in the forecast or warnings are issued.

“As we have learned over the last year, store shelves can empty at a moment’s notice,” added Hollins.

Here are a few items REC recommends you keep on hand at all time. Consider storing these items in a container in your closet or under a bed so you can access them quickly:

• Flashlights and fresh batteries
• Non-perishable food items
• Manual can opener
• Cash
• One gallon of water per person
• Blankets
• Battery-operated radio
• First aid supplies and medication
• A variety of tools
• Board, card or battery-operated games and toys
• Food, water, litter pan, and a sturdy leash for your pets

For more details on how to prepare your home and family, please visit: myrec.coop/outagecenter.

REC provides electric service to over 170,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., the Cooperative operates and maintains more than 17,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.