Dominion Virginia Power Stresses Safety As
Hurricane Isabel Begins Causing Power Outages
RICHMOND, Va. - Hurricane Isabel began causing power outages
in North Carolina and Virginia Thursday morning. The storm is expected to roll
through Dominion's electric franchise service area all day Thursday and into
Friday morning.
As of 10:45 a.m., more than 273,000 Dominion customers were
without power, with most of those in Tidewater Virginia, the most populated
area of Virginia. Dominion crews will begin restoring power when they can do
so safely.
Hurricane Isabel remains a strong Category 2 hurricane with
wind speeds above 100 mph. Winds of up to 80 mph are expected through Tidewater
and Central Virginia later this afternoon and into this evening. Outages are
expected to be widespread and extended.
Dominion reminds its customers to call toll free 1-888-667-3000
and use the voice response unit to report outages or downed lines. Using the
system's voice response unit is the quickest way to report an outage or downed
power lines. The company's outage reporting system can handle 100,000 calls
an hour.
Dominion asks its customers to heed these safety warnings:
Stay away from downed power lines. Consider downed power
lines energized and dangerous. To report a downed line, call Dominion at 1-888-667-3000.
Do not hook portable generators directly to the electrical
system of your home. Electricity could backfeed into power lines endangering
repair crews. Either have a qualified electrician perform that work or plug
directly into the generator with the proper-sized extension cords.
If using portable or camp-type stoves or lanterns for cooking
and lighting, make sure the area is adequately ventilated.
Dominion has in place line crews and tree trimmers throughout
its service area, waiting to be dispatched to damage locations. The total workforce
ready to respond is 7,000, including Dominion line crews, contractors and line
crews from seven southeastern utility companies.
