LG&E and KU encourage preparedness as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week
(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) — While dangerous weather conditions can strike during any season, spring months of March, April and May can usher in violent thunderstorms and tornadoes and are considered peak severe weather season by the National Weather Service. To ensure residents across Kentucky are mindful and prepared for weather threats, March 1-7 is designated Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kentucky. As part of the week’s observance, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company are offering tips to help residents and customers plan to keep their families safe.
“The safety of our customers, employees and the general public are our top priority,” said LG&E and KU Vice President of Electric Distribution Peter Waldrab. “Just as we prepare our system for extreme conditions, we want to make sure customers know simple steps they can take to help manage through challenges Mother Nature may bring.”
LG&E and KU offer the following tips:
- Make a plan: Visit www.ready.gov to know your risk, take action and learn more. You’ll find details on items to include as you build an emergency supply kit and important details to discuss with those in your household.
- Be informed: Download the LG&E and KU mobile app. During outage situations, customers can use the utilities’ mobile app, available from the Apple and Google, stores to access and keep track of near real-time outage information, report their outage and more. Customers can also access the outage map from the LG&E and KU website.
- Get connected: During power outages, general restoration information and safety tips are provided on LG&E and KU’s website, Facebook page, Twitter feed and Instagram page. There’s also an informative video series about common outage questions on the utilities’ YouTube page.
- Stay safe: Always assume any downed wire is an energized power line. Stay away and report it immediately. LG&E customers should call 502-589-1444. KU customers should call 800-981-0600.
- Practice: Don’t just get ready, stay ready. Be vigilant when severe weather approaches, no matter the season. Practice your plan throughout the year and replenish items as needed.
Preparedness is a priority for LG&E and KU
Just as for customers, preparedness for LG&E and KU is year ‘round. Ongoing maintenance across the system and infrastructure investments ensure the safety of the utilities’ system and the reliability of the energy service their more than 1.3 million customers across Kentucky depend on. In fact, ongoing efforts have reduced the frequency and duration of power outages 35% and 32%, respectively since 2011, excluding major events.
LG&E and KU’s system is built to withstand extreme conditions and the utilities are prepared to respond quickly and safely to severe weather impacts. Before severe weather strikes, LG&E and KU prepare by monitoring weather conditions, placing field crews and business partners on alert and readying operating equipment and material.
LG&E and KU participate in mutual assistance partnerships with a collection of utilities who support one another during severe weather and natural disasters by providing access to invaluable resources and hundreds of crews from multiple states.
Visit lge-ku.com/safety for more information on LG&E and KU’s safety and preparedness efforts.
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Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 333,000 natural gas and 429,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 566,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com and www.pplweb.com.
Editor's Note: Click here to access the downloadable QR code to the LG&E and KU app for use with your story. (PNG, 59k)
