CHARLESTON, W.Va., December 20, 2012 – Appalachian Power started yesterday making preparations for potential power outages that could occur Thursday night into Saturday from the approaching winter storm.

In advance of the storm, all Appalachian Power contract line and tree crews have been asked to be ready to report and travel if necessary. Beyond that, contractor resources located outside the immediate Appalachian service area have been notified that additional assistance may be needed. The workers will assist locally-based Appalachian Power employees should the storm cause damage to electrical facilities.

The latest weather information suggests that beginning Thursday night and continuing through Saturday afternoon, significant accumulations of dry snow and strong wind gusts may occur throughout the Appalachian Power service area, especially in the mountainous regions. The Beckley and Bluefield regions including the coalfield areas of southern West Virginia, and Tazewell and areas of southwest Virginia are likely to be most affected. 

Customers should prepare an emergency kit with flashlights and fresh batteries; battery-powered radios or televisions; candles, matches, or lighters; water for drinking and cooking; portable heater (oil or gas); camping equipment (sleeping bags, camp stoves, lanterns); canned goods and a manual can opener and manufacturers' instructions for power-operated equipment such as the garage door. Customers should charge cell phones and have  a mobile charger for their automobiles. More information can be found on AppalachianPower.com in the section “Outages & Problems.”