Duke Energy Responds to Historic Flooding in Ohio and Kentucky
In the face of devastating flooding and storms in Ohio and Kentucky, Duke Energy is actively working to restore power and ensure the safety of its customers. As many as 70,000 residents faced outages last weekend due to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rains that impacted the Greater Cincinnati area.
The Situation on the Ground
As of Monday morning, Duke Energy successfully restored power to more than 70,000 customers who lost electricity due to the severe storms. The company’s crews have been working tirelessly since Thursday evening to address the damage caused by relentless rainfall and flooding that continued through the weekend. The Ohio River notably crested at 60 feet, significantly affecting low-lying areas in both Kentucky and Ohio.
In express cooperation with local authorities, Duke Energy executed approximately 500 natural gas shutoffs in flooded regions. The company emphasized that it plans to safely restore natural gas once floodwaters reduce, prioritizing public safety.
Immediate Safety Recommendations
Duke Energy provided crucial safety tips for customers amid the ongoing crisis:
- - Shut Off Power: For those at risk of flooding, it's vital to turn off the power at your circuit breaker or fuse box before evacuating.
- - Stay Clear of Downed Lines: Electric current can flow through water, making it essential to keep a safe distance from any downed electrical lines.
- - Avoid Wet Hands: Never handle circuit breakers or fuses with wet hands or while standing on damp surfaces to prevent electrical hazards.
- - Inspection Before Reconnection: If flooding affects your home, a licensed electrician must inspect the electrical system before service can be guaranteed. Any damaged appliances should also be assessed for safety.
Duke Energy urges customers to stay vigilant and report any natural gas leaks immediately. If you suspect gas in the air, leave the area and reach out to 911 or Duke Energy from a safe distance.
Duke Energy's Commitment to Recovery
The company has been transparent about the ongoing restoration process. Their main goal is to get large power lines and infrastructure operational quickly, which will in turn enable them to assist neighborhoods and homes that remain without power. Customers can stay informed about outages and restoration efforts through Duke Energy’s interactive outage map, where they can also report and monitor the status of any power disruptions.
For real-time updates, customers can text OUT to 57801, access the mobile app, or call the automated reporting system.
Supporting Local Communities
Further demonstrating its commitment to community safety, Duke Energy encourages residents to download the enhanced American Red Cross Emergency app. This free application, sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation, provides emergency checklists, maps of open shelters, and weather alert monitoring. This resource is available in both English and Spanish and can greatly aid residents in preparing for severe weather events.
What Lies Ahead
As recovery efforts persist, Duke Energy remains dedicated to restoring electric and natural gas services across its extensive service areas in Ohio and Kentucky. The company is also engaging in broader safety initiatives and communications to help customers navigate through recovery from this disaster.
“Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky stated, “Our crews have answered the call this past week and continue to work hard to restore natural gas and electric services to all of our communities. We urge our customers to remain safe.”
As the situation develops, staying informed and being prepared will be key for local residents. For additional tips on managing safety during storms, check out Duke Energy’s safety and preparedness resources available online at their official website.
Duke Energy is moving forward with energy transitions that promise a reliable power future while tackling the immediate challenges of storm recovery. As they continue to restore services, the eyes on the community remain focused on providing safety and resilience for the affected.