Baldwin utility companies urging energy conservation as snow, usage burden systems

How to report outages, generator safety for 'historic' winter weather in Baldwin County, southern Alabama

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Baldwin County continues to be in a Winter Storm Warning and Extreme Cold Warning as conditions deteriorate along roadways and power grids across the area.

Utility companies are asking households to conserve energy to help alleviate strain on their systems during these extremely cold temperatures across Baldwin County.

“Please make every effort now through tomorrow morning to reduce load. Load can be reduced by turning off all unneeded lights, TVs, etc., and postponing the use of electric appliances such as dishwashers, clothes dryers and ovens,” Baldwin EMC wrote in a Facebook post around 6 p.m.

The company said their crews worked all day changing out equipment “that was literally melting due to the load.” Visibility is making travel and repairs difficult, they said.

Riviera Utilities suggested lowering your thermostat by two degrees to help conserve energy and keep your bill in check.

Report electric interruptions to Riviera Utilities by sending "OUT" to 251-943-4999. To report any other service interruption, please call 251-943-4999 for Foley or 251-625-4999 for Daphne.

To report power outages to Baldwin EMC, call (251) 989-6247 or text “BALDWIN” and then “OUTAGE” to 85700.

To report an outage with Alabama Power, go to https://customerservice2.southerncompany.com/Outages/Report/Location. If this is a dangerous condition, including downed power lines, call 1-800-888-2726.

To report an outage with Southern Pine Electric Cooperative, call 1-866-867-5415.

Lows tonight will once again be very cold from the teens to 20s, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service. High temperatures on Tuesday will be in the 30s.

“Snowfall totals have been increased very slightly. Between 2-5 inches of snow are forecast for far southern Alabama. This would be historic,” Jim Stefkovich, meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, wrote Tuesday morning. “The last time Mobile exceeded two inches of snow was March 1993 and three inches in February 1973. Total snowfall accumulations will decrease northward, but the potential still exists for up to 1 inch all the way to I-20.”

Gov. Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency, effective Monday, for Baldwin and other southern Alabama counties, which activates the Alabama Emergency Operations Plan and allows the state’s response. This includes activating the Alabama National Guard and Alabama Emergency Management Agency and other state agencies to provide response and recovery.

A state of emergency also prohibits price gouging for sales and rentals and loosens restrictions on motor-carrier and transportation regulations.

The Baldwin County Commission declared a Local State of Emergency Tuesday evening in response to the ongoing historic inclement winter weather conditions affecting the area. This declaration allows Baldwin County to access additional resources and coordinate more effectively with state and local partners to address the impacts of the severe weather.

The Local State of Emergency reinforces the importance of public safety and supports efforts to manage icy road conditions, provide warming shelters and ensure the well-being of residents and visitors.

Residents are urged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, as road conditions remain hazardous.

Read more:

  • 11 years after Gulf Coast Snowmageddon, meteorologists say temperatures to be similar Tuesday in south Alabama
  • Winter weather need to know: School and other closures in Baldwin County
  • Winter weather shelters: Warming stations and overnight shelters open in Baldwin, Mobile counties
  • Expert advice: Here's how to prepare your plants, citrus trees for a winter freeze in Baldwin County, Alabama Gulf Coast

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How to use space heaters safely:

DO:

  • Plug in your space heater directly into the wall outlet.
  • Keep your space heater at a safe distance (at least 3 feet) from kids, pets and flammable items.
  • Buy a unit with an automatic shutoff in case it tips over or you forget to shut it off.

DON’T:

  • Use an extension cord to plus in your space heater. It can overheat and can be a tripping hazard.
  • Place your space heater near curtains, clothing, furniture or bedding.
  • Leave your space heater unattended. Always unplug before you leave it.

How to use a generator safely:

  • Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
  • Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
  • Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
  • Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
  • Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Source: Alabama EMA