Fredericksburg, Va. — Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) urges all members to prepare for the potential of widespread, prolonged power outages as a result of a major storm projected to drop several inches of heavy wet snow, sleet and freezing rain across its service territory.

For perspective, the forecast is somewhat similar to Winter Storm Frida, which knocked out power to 90,000-plus members and caused weeklong power outages in January 2022. While Frida dumped a foot of heavy, wet snow in some areas and Tuesday’s forecast is not quite as dire, Frida also outperformed many final forecasts, wreaking havoc on the electric grid for several days.

“While we can never know for sure what the weather will bring, we urge members to take this storm very seriously,” said Casey Hollins — Managing Director, Communications and Public Relations. “Even though this snowstorm is projected to be less intense than Frida, heavy wet snow is notorious for causing power outages, breaking power poles, toppling trees and causing other widespread damage.

REC has already begun formal preparations that include:

• Prestaging critical materials such as poles, crossarms and other equipment in locations that are easily accessible for crews in the field. This will save time and lead to faster restorations.
• Strategically staging crews by 6 a.m. Tuesday so they can roll out to respond to outages no matter where they occur.
• Topping off warehouse supplies to replenish materials used during Winter Storm Freya.
• Securing extra contract crews and assistance from multiple other electric cooperatives to support REC’s efforts in the field.
  
  

Tuesday’s storm is projected to arrive in the morning, with snowfall picking up in intensity through the afternoon and into the evening. Snow may mix with or change to sleet or freezing rain at times.

Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for much or REC’s service territory.

Even the year-round work that REC does to clear rights-of-way and upgrade equipment sometimes can’t match Mother Nature, Hollins said.

“Now is the time to prepare your family and business for the potential of a prolonged power outage. We urge you: Do not take this storm lightly. Make a plan for your family today.”

What to do before the storm:

• Consider a secondary heating source such as a generator (see important safety tips below). 
• Gather any extra blankets, bedding, sleeping bags, sweaters and other warm clothing. 
• Find a complete list of emergency items REC recommends you assemble ahead of the storm: myrec.coop/stormprep.
• If someone in your home requires electricity for a serious medical condition, review your backup plan for an alternate location with power that you can rely on during an outage.

Other steps you can take now:

• Bookmark REC’s outage center: myrec.coop/outagecenter.
• Remember that you can now report your outage by texting OUT to 63273.
• You also can use your mobile phone or devices to report an outage at myrec.coop/out or report an outage in the MyREC SmartHub mobile app.
• It’s important to report your power outage, even if you think someone in your neighborhood has already reported it.

Important safety reminders: 

• If you see a downed power line, always assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay away from the line and anything that might be in contact with it. Call 911 and contact REC at 800-552-3904 to report downed power lines.
  
  If your backup power plan includes using a generator, be sure to follow all safety guidelines including:
   
• Isolate your generator from REC’s power lines. Connect appliances or other devices directly to the generator with the appropriate cords.
• If you connect it directly to your building's wiring, a generator transfer switch is required to separate your generator from the co-op's system.
• Take care when fueling your generator. Never refuel the unit while it's operating.
• Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic fumes. Do not install your generator in a closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.
  
  

Serving more than 180,000 connections across 22 Virginia counties, REC is a pillar in its communities, with over 18,000 miles of power lines extending from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. For more information on REC’s initiatives, visit www.myrec.coop and follow REC on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.