APUA says its post-Tammy restoration plan is in place and ready to be deployed once MET Office gives the go-ahead

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) says it already has its
“Restoration Plan” in place and will deploy it immediately after the
passage of Hurricane Tammy upon the advice of the MET Office.
 
APUA says it is in full preparatory mode and is well prepared, and
has offered tips to the public on what should be done during and
after the hurricane.

The Authority says that its business units, including Water and
Electricity, were out today, Friday, getting things in order for the
storm’s passage.

The Electricity Business Unit says it has conducted frequent line
maintenance and “utility vegetation management” throughout the
year. In the event of infrastructural damage, an adequate stock of
restoration supplies is available in storage, it assures.

Meanwhile, the Water Business Unit is filling storage tanks to ensure
potable water is available for distribution post-storm.

However, the desalination plants may be taken offline – due to the
effects of sea swells and to minimize the probability of moisture in
the high-voltage electrical panels – for up to 48 hours following the
storm.

This, according to APUA, is to avoid irreversible damage to the
equipment.

In the meantime, the Telecommunications Business Unit is finalizing
the process of securing network cables and refueling generators at
cell sites in case of possible power loss. The Unit is encouraging
customers to unplug sensitive devices such as modems and PABX
equipment.

Furthermore, the Authority advises customers to adhere to the
following safety procedures before, during, and after a storm:
1. Ensure that a qualified electrician correctly installs a transfer
switch to isolate your generator from APUA power.
 Place your generator in a well-ventilated area.
 Do not interfere with electrical wires; always treat downed power
lines as energized and dangerous.
 Do not remove and/or sever downed telephone lines.
 Switch off and unplug sensitive electronic appliances, such as
televisions, modems, cable boxes, microwave ovens, and
computers.
 If low voltage is being experienced, please turn off the main
switch to your home.
 Charge your mobile devices and power banks
 Keep a battery-operated AM/FM radio for updates throughout
and after the storm.
 Ensure that enough potable water is stored to sustain a
household for at least 7 days.

The Authority asserts that it remains committed to the safety of its
employees, the general public, and its equipment.
Hence, during the storm, the electricity network will be closely
monitored. Depending on the severity of the storm and/or loss of

extensive load, APUA may be forced to completely close the entire
network to protect lives and equipment.

Hence, customers are asked to note that, during an active storm,
crews are not dispatched to address electricity faults and outages
until it is safe to do so. Further, specific timelines will not be
available until restoration for impacted areas has commenced.
For further updates, APUA encourages customers to connect to its
social-media platforms.