SLEMCO brings extra crews in anticipation of Storm Francine

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)– Local electric companies are preparing for Francine’s landfall by bringing in more supplies and manpower.

SLEMCO is bringing in extra electric poles, power lines, and more than 300 contract crew members. The power company will either increase or decrease these contract crews depending on the level of damage after landfall.

SLEMCO Communications Coordinator Mary Laurent said after Francine, the power crews will assess the damage to transmission and feeder lines.

“If you see a truck the first day in your area, it could be assessing the damage to see what kind of material and equipment needs to be brought in to do the repair work,” Laurent said.

“Just because you don’t see us doesn’t mean we’re not working. We’re actually doing very important things that need to take place before we can get the power back to your home,” Laurent continued.

Power crews will work on lines when winds are 30 miles per hour or lower.

“Power is not wifi. It’s not Bluetooth,” Laurent said. “You actually have to go out and make sure that the circuit is completed. If the wires are broken and trees are down, we actually physically have to go out there and restore that,” Laurent said.

“Just be patient with us. We’re getting there, and we’re going to get everybody back to normal just as soon as we can,” she said.

SLEMCO said customers can prevent more damage by not using standby generators to power their entire house.

“It is really not safe unless you have a professionally installed double throw switch,” Laurent said. “It can actually backfeed the line if it’s not done properly and electrocute our workers.”

To find or report any power outages, contact your power provider.