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Storm Center > Pearl River Flood Update – Wednesday, Feb. 19
Pearl River Flood Update – Wednesday, Feb. 19
02/19/2020
As flood waters in the Jackson metro area have begun to recede, we continue to focus on maintaining safety for our customers. Crews are inspecting our equipment and meters impacted by the flood in hopes of restoring customers who can take service. We expect this to take several days to complete.
If a house has taken on flood waters, a city inspection may be required prior to reestablishing service. The City of Jackson is requiring a city inspection for homes with 18 inches or more water in the home before service can be restored. Homes with less than 18 inches will be restored if someone is home. If no one is home the meter or an outside breaker will be turned off and customers can turn the breaker on when returning home.
Flood waters are beginning to threaten other towns along the Pearl River, and we may have to begin disconnecting electrical service to homes and businesses as a public safety precaution and to comply with the National Electric Safety Code.
While we expect this to be limited to those areas that experience flooding, service disconnections could extend to more areas as water levels continue to rise and approach customer homes, businesses and electrical equipment. As flood waters rise and enter houses, we may have to disconnect service to customers. In some cases where accessibility is an issue with flood waters, we may have to de-energize a line segment which may disconnect service to houses that are not flooded, as well as those that are flooded. Our intent is to take every reasonable step to avoid interrupting service to areas not affected by flooding.
With assistance from state and local officials, Entergy Mississippi is closely monitoring the situation and will keep our customers informed of plans to disconnect service as conditions warrant.
When flood waters have receded and customers are able to return to their homes, we urge you to take safety precautions and keep the following in mind:
- Stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas. Do not walk in standing water and do not venture into areas of debris, since energized and dangerous power lines may not be visible.
- Once flood waters recede, we will work with customers to restore service. Customers should call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) to request service reconnections.
- If your property has any water damage, turn off the electricity at either the main fuse box or circuit breaker and call a licensed electrician for advice and possible inspection of the property’s electric wiring. Customers should not step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker.
- Even if you do not have property damage, you should still be cautious. Look for electrical system damage after power is restored. If sparks, broken or frayed wires, or the smell of hot insulation is noticeable, turn off the electricity at either the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
- For customers’ safety, we suggest a qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment inside of the facility or home, even if their city or county does not require inspection. If the breaker is turned on before such inspections, you may cause personal injury or property damage.
- Remember, dehumidifiers, fans or other equipment used to dry out your home can use a lot of electricity, so even if you’re not living in the home, your electric use could be high. And, if insulation or walls are removed during clean up, your home may not be protected from exterior temperatures, causing your heater to run more. Both of these can lead to high bills.
