Levels Threaten Possibility of Lake Arthur Area Flooding

BATON ROUGE, La. - With rain water runoff from the Mermentau River creating the potential for Lake Arthur to breach its levees over the weekend, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. is working with local officials to closely monitor rising water levels and prepare for the possibility of flooding in some areas served by Entergy in the Town of Lake Arthur. Entergy wants to remind customers that water and electricity do not mix, and encourage everyone to make preparation and safety the first priority.

Jefferson Davis Parish has declared a state of emergency, and town officials have asked residents living in low-lying areas of Lake Arthur to voluntarily evacuate. A mandatory curfew, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. is in effect for the Town of Lake Arthur until further notice. If you are not sure whether your home is in an area of potential flood risk, check with your municipality.

For safety reasons and per National Electric Safety Code, Entergy must disconnect electrical service if water levels approach a home's electrical system or enters a house. Entergy will notify customers in affected areas when rising water indicates that a hazard may occur and service must be disconnected, or when local officials mandate that service disconnections are required.

Flood safety preparations
As in every situation, it is most important to stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas. Do not walk in standing water and do not venture into areas of debris, since energized and dangerous power lines may not be visible.

If your home or business is at risk for electrical service disconnection, you should prepare for the possibility of outages by taking the following steps:

  • Have emergency preparedness kits ready, including flashlights, a battery-powered radio with fresh batteries, spare batteries, canned food and a can opener, a supply of fresh water for several days and a first-aid kit.

  • Fully charge all cell phones and mobile devices.

  • If you have generators, read instructions carefully and operate them according to guidelines.

If you are required or choose to evacuate your home or business, take the following steps:

  • If the building is dry, turn off the electrical main power switch. Never attempt to disconnect power or operate breakers or switches that are wet or have been exposed to water. Call 1-800-ENTERGY to have this done.

  • Move any portable electrical items to an upper floor or to another location that is not at risk of flooding.

  • If flooding is expected in your area, and you have time, have a licensed contractor remove hot water tanks, clothes dryers and ranges and cap the gas pipe leading to the appliance shut off valve. Also, have a licensed contractor remove the electric motor and fan, burner and controls from your furnace and shut off the gas and electrical supply.

  • Remove all food from refrigerator and leave the door open.

  • Turn off and unplug all appliances.

Any customers wishing to request a temporary service disconnect should call 1-800-ENTERGY.
Entergy's Louisiana utility companies serve more than one million customers through the operating companies Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. With operations in southern, central and northeastern Louisiana, the companies are part of Entergy Corporation's electric system serving 2.8 million customers in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.



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