Storm veterans and novices alike should begin to prepare for the upcoming season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Start by visiting bemc.org for a list of essentials to have on hand.

If a hurricane warning or watch is issued, preparations should include securing loose items outside your home, charging cordless devices and cell phones, filling your car’s gas tank and making sure you have some cash. Monitoring media will keep you up to date on the storm’s progress, and you’ll also be aware of any evacuation orders that are issued. Decide ahead of time where you will go if told to evacuate and communicate your plan to family and friends.

More information is available at bemc.org. You can report outages there as well as through SmartHub, and by calling or texting “outage” to 800-682-5309. Follow us on Facebook and go to bemc.org for real time updates before, during and after a storm.

Please be assured we take each outage personally, and work as quickly as possible to get power back on for everyone.