As of 8:30 a.m., Baldwin EMC announced it has approximately 128 outages due to Tropical Storm Gordon. Some of the outages are located in or near high water, which is impacting restoration efforts. Line crews worked throughout the night in tropical storm conditions to restore power to Baldwin EMC members.
Baldwin EMC officials warn members to stay away from downed power lines and always assume the lines are energized and dangerous.
Baldwin EMC also urges those affected by power outages to please remember safety first when using portable generators to fill the gap in electrical service.
Never connect a portable generator to your home’s wiring system through a wall socket or electrical panel as this can create dangerous back feeding. Back feeding means electricity produced by the portable generator flows into the home’s wiring system, outward through the service drop and into BEMC’s distribution system. An unsuspecting utility worker or even a family member or neighbor could be electrocuted or seriously injured when they touch the energized line.
Appliance cords should be plugged directly into the portable generator’s outlet or the appliance can be connected to the generator using a heavy-duty extension cord. Also, generators should never be used inside as their exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly gas.
OUTAGE REPORTING LINE
Baldwin EMC members who need to report an outage or report lines on the ground should call (251) 989-6247.
Outages can also be reported online or by text. To report online visit www.baldwineme.com/outage-center, then click the link for the interactive outage map and log in using your Facebook account.
To text your outage, first text “Baldwin” to 85700. Select your address, then to report the outage, text “Outage” to the same number. Note: The number you text from must match one of the phone numbers on your account. If it doesn’t, please contact our member service department at (251) 989-6247. *Standard text messaging rates will apply.
For the most up-to-date outage information, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BaldwinEMC/), Instagram (instagram.com/baldwinemc) and Twitter (twitter.com/baldwinemc) or visit www.baldwinemc.com.