Preparations Are Underway Now
SLEMCO is carefully monitoring weather forecasts for Hurricane Ida, which most weather models indicate will likely affect the Acadiana area early next week. The National Hurricane Center is currently forecasting a landfall approach at, or near major hurricane intensity as early as Sunday.
The company is ready with extra materials and equipment. Contractors have been secured to assist SLEMCO crews with power restoration. Because of the projected path, SLEMCO is securing all necessary equipment, materials and manpower to handle a major hurricane making landfall in our service area later this weekend.
All SLEMCO customers should carefully monitor weather reports and be ready to make preparations for the safety of their families, homes and businesses, should the storm make landfall in our area.
“Everyone should be on alert and paying close attention to National Hurricane Center forecasts,” said SLEMCO Spokesperson Mary Laurent. “They should be checking supplies and making an evacuation plan now for their family, particularly if they use medical equipment that requires electricity.”
Evacuation planning is particularly important for those in low-lying areas, as flooding rains and storm surge often accompany major hurricanes. “We will restore power as quickly and safely as possible, but all families should plan to be self-sustaining for an extended timeframe if we end up with a direct hit from a major storm,” Laurent said.
SLEMCO provides power to over 109,000 customers in Acadia, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion Parishes.