Clay Electric is following Hurricane Ian’s movements and preparing for its possible arrival later this week in North Florida. The co-op suggests everyone keep an eye on the projected path and make their own plans.

Ian could pose a serious threat to Clay Electric’s 14-county service area. Since Friday, the co-op has been reviewing inventory of materials and bringing them up to necessary levels if widespread power outages occur. Clay Electric’s Fleet Service Department has also ensured the co-op’s gas supply is at adequate levels and all vehicles are fueled.

If Ian strikes Clay Electric’s service area, restoration efforts will begin as soon as it is safe to do so, and crews will make every effort to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Clay Electric General Manager/CEO Ricky Davis has met with Chief Operations Officer Bryan Gunter to begin the process of bringing in outside crews to help Clay restore service if Ian causes extensive outages in the co-op’s service area.

“These steps are to ensure we remain ahead of the curve because this storm’s projected path will affect multiple utilities, causing outside resources to be limited,” Davis said. “With potential statewide damages, and knowing other states may be in Hurricane Ian’s path, we want to be proactive in securing the necessary resources to restore power to our members as efficiently and safely as possible.”

Clay Electric Chief Public Relations Officer Derick Thomas said the co-op’s members should review their storm plans and ensure they have an adequate supply of drinking water, non-perishable foods, canned goods and necessary medications.

“Hurricanes are a major inconvenience for everyone,” Thomas said. “Our families will be facing this difficult situation with you. We will make it through this together.”

To help members prepare for a storm, the co-op offers a list of preparations in an annual hurricane guide. It is available here, as are generator safety instructions, a supply list and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• If you or a family member depend on power for medical reasons, have somewhere to go that is out of harm’s way, or have a generator handy.
• If you use a generator, know how to operate it safely, and do not hook it up to your home’s wiring system. It could backfeed into our distribution system and kill or injure personnel making repairs.
• When venturing outdoors after the storm, be careful of low-hanging or downed power lines, which may still be energized.

Information and updates about Clay Electric’s preparation and response to Hurricane Ian will be shared on Facebook and ClayElectric.com.