By Baileigh Rebowe

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – “Always be prepared” was the message sent to the River Region Chamber of Commerce members at Entergy’s “Operation: Storm Ready” luncheon in LaPlace recently.

Traye Granger, an engineer for Entergy, outlined Entergy’s emergency plan for the 2011 hurricane season during a presentation, saying the power company should be an “external touch point for the community.”

Granger discussed the strategy used by Entergy if a hurricane were to endanger the region. The actions taken by the company were outlined in stages, including preparation, pre-landfall, post-landfall and restoration.

He expanded on the post-landfall and restoration stages, saying hospitals and emergency facilities are restored first during power outages.

“When the lights are back on, work is not finished. Safety is 24/7,” he said, drawing attention to the long hours Entergy workers spend trying to restore power after a hurricane hits.

Granger attempted to explain why some people get their lights turned back on before others, even if they are down the street from one another. This may have to do with residents being on different electric circuits, power lines being more dangerous in some areas because of debris or vegetation or protocols in the area about restoring power. He urged residents to call Entergy to report downed power lines but to be patient because most of the time Entergy already knows about it.

“After a hurricane hits, we must first assess the damage. Trust that our team members are out working on restoration efforts to get things back to normal,” Granger noted.

He said Entergy does encourage feedback from the community on its storm policies and efforts, stressing Entergy’s goal to be a “good corporate citizen.”

Sheila Butler, Entergy customer service manager, spoke before Granger, informing residents of what to pack and steps to take when evacuating or preparing for a hurricane.

She stressed the importance of gathering family documents, a first-aid kit and at a least a three-day supply of medicine, food and water when preparing for storm season. She said families should start working on a plan in case of a hurricane.

“When you are nervous about a storm, that is not the time to be making decisions. Get a plan in place,” she said.