TNMP BRACES FOR POSSIBLE IMPACTS
OF HURRICANE IKE

TNMP, a provider of electrical transmission and distribution services to approximately 115,000 customers in the Gulf Coast region, is preparing resources in order to respond to the possible impacts of Hurricane Ike.

TNMP advises its electric customers currently on life support to take appropriate measures to ensure their safety in the case of a long-term power outage due to the effects of the hurricane. Those customers are encouraged to consider relocating in advance of the hurricane in order to avoid power interruption. In addition, customers with specific health needs should contact medical caregivers prior to the hurricane in order to avoid any closures of medical facilities.

Other customers are urged to take necessary precautions in order to prepare for Hurricane Ike, which is expected to hit the Gulf Coast region in the early hours of Saturday, Sept. 13.

TNMP recommends the following to customers who could be affected by the hurricane:

• Avoid all downed lines. Assume any line you see on the ground is energized and remain a safe distance away.

• Before lowering a television antenna or satellite dish, look up for power lines. If you can’t avoid a power line, don’t do the work.

• Turn off all swimming pool pumps and filters and wrap them in waterproof materials.

• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings the day before the storm to keep food fresh in the event of a power outage. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about four hours if unopened. A freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full)

• Remember, if the power goes out, your electric garage door will not open. If you evacuate your home, be sure to have a door key with you so you can re-enter. To operate your garage door manually, pull on the emergency release cord and push the door up using the lift handle.

• Before the storm, turn off or unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics, such as computers and televisions.

• Check that emergency equipment such as flashlights, battery-operated radios and backup generators are in working order.

TNMP is preparing its service personnel to join in restoration efforts if power outages result from the hurricane. Employees who may be sent to the area include linemen, tree trimmers, engineers and environmental specialists. The company is also prepared to request mutual assistance from other utilities, if needed.

"Obviously, we are hoping to avoid the worst of Hurricane Ike, but we are prepared to respond quickly to any outages caused by the storm," said Neal Walker, TNMP vice president of Texas operations. "TNMP plans to restore power as quickly as possible if the hurricane causes any outages. It could take two weeks or more to fully restore power after a hurricane, and we encourage our customers to be prepared for that possibility."

Walker says that key facilities such as hospitals, water treatment plants and public service facilities will receive first priority in terms of service restoration in the event of an outage.

TNMP's Gulf Coast service area includes Texas City, Dickinson, League City, Friendswood, Alvin, La Marque, Angleton, Sweeny, West Columbia, Brazoria, Bailey’s Prairie, Hillcrest Village and Holliday Lakes.

To report an outage, TNMP customers can call toll-free:
(888) 866-7456