Just one year ago to the day, Jan. 26, 2009, the folks at Carroll Electric Cooperative met to set into motion the preliminary phase of its “Emergency Restoration Plan.”  

Then,the storm hit. While the ice sparkled with beauty, its brilliance was short-lived when roads were covered with trees, homes damaged, and power poles broken by the weight of the ice. The damage was unlike any other event.

Fast forward 365 days. Carroll Electric’s team met again to consider the weather forecast. “It is hard to imagine an event like our members endured last year, but we understand we can’t control the weather. You don’t want to take anything for granted.” said David Brock, V.P., who leads the planning process. The Cooperative’s Emergency Restoration Plan is a living, breathing plan that considers all aspects of a large scale event.

Last year Carroll Electric assembled approximately 1,200 professionals to restore service. This is about five times its normal staffing level. Having the people, materials, fuel, equipment, and technology is only half of the equation. According to Brock, “The logistics of dispatching, housing, feeding, and organizing those resources is where the plan really becomes critical.”

“The memory of last year’s storm will be valuable for everyone,” stated Nancy Plagge, Director of Corporate Communications. “If the power goes out, we all have the same goal – getting it back on.

Members should start now to make preparations for a power outage. Suggestions for being prepared can be found on Carroll Electric’s web site as well as web sites for county emergency management services and the American Red Cross.”

Members are asked to report an outage by calling 800-432-9720 or through the web site, www.carrollecc.com. Outages can also now be reported from mobile phones with browsing capabilities through Carroll Electric’s web site.

For additional information, contact:

Nancy Plagge, Carroll Electric Cooperative, 870.423.2161, ext. 1322, or

www.carrollecc.com