Both Alabama Power Company and Pioneer Electric are closely monitoring the weather and have safety tips for their customers in case a tropical storm does affect Selma.

Angela Green, Communications Specialist with Pioneer Electric, Inc. said the company is fully prepared for Tropical Storm Karen. Green said there is a possibility of multiple power outages in the Pioneer service area depending on the path of the storm.

“Pioneer crews will work hard to restore power as quickly as possible,” Green said. “In the event of downed power lines the public needs to know to stay away from the power line. Just because it is on the ground, does not mean it is de-energized.”

If you have an outage or need report a downed power line, you can call Pioneer’s outage line at (800) 533-0323.

Alabama Power’s Michael Jordan said the company has its storm plans in place.

“We have been talking within Alabama Power and with other utilities,” Jordan said.

He suggested customers follow four major steps in an event of a severe weather.

First, customers should call and report an outage at (800) 888-2726. They should also call if there is a hazard situation, such as a tree falling on a power line.

Second, people should keep away from down power lines, because it’s uncertain if those lines are live or de-energized.

Thirdly, if a customer decides to use a generator, they need to read and follow all of the instructions. They should operate generators outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Like Pioneer, Alabama Power Company are constantly updating their safety.