As we move into the heart of summer here in Southeast Louisiana, we also enter the most active stretch of hurricane season. For those of us who live and work along the Gulf Coast, storms are not a matter of if, but when. At Washington-St. Tammany, we take that responsibility seriously preparing year-round to respond quickly and safely when severe weather impacts our system.
But just as we prepare, we encourage every member to take steps now to protect your family, your home, and your business before a storm is on the radar.
When a major storm hits, we partner with other electric cooperatives across the state and country to bring in additional lineworkers. This mutual aid network is one of the cooperative model's greatest strengths—and it allows us to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
What You Can Do Now
Preparation on your end is just as critical. Taking a few simple steps today can make a significant difference when severe weather strikes:
- Build an Emergency Kit
Include essentials such as:
- Bottled water (one gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid supplies
- Medications
- Portable phone chargers
- Develop a Family Plan
- Know your evacuation routes
- Establish a communication plan with loved ones
- Identify a safe place to go if evacuation is necessary
- Prepare Your Home
- Secure loose outdoor items (furniture, grills, tools)
- Trim trees and remove weak branches
- Install surge protection devices to protect appliances
- Plan for Power Outages
- Keep mobile devices charged
- Consider a backup power source if medically necessary
- Never operate generators indoors or in enclosed spaces
Safety During and After the Storm
Once a storm arrives, your safety is the top priority:
- Stay away from downed power lines—always assume they are energized
- Report outages through our website and SmartHub app
- Avoid flooded areas, especially where electrical equipment may be present
- Allow our crews space to work safely during restoration efforts
A Shared Responsibility
Storm recovery is a community effort. While our crews work safely to restore power, we ask for your patience and understanding. Some outages may take longer to repair depending on the extent of damage, accessibility, and safety conditions.
As your cooperative, we are not just your electric provider—we are your neighbors. Our employees live here, raise families here, and serve this community with pride. When storms come, we stand ready.
Stay Connected
For updates before, during, and after a storm, stay connected with us through:
- Our website and outage map
- Social media channels
- SmartHub app
The best time to prepare is now—before the skies darken and the winds begin to rise. A little preparation today can provide peace of mind tomorrow.
From all of us at WSTE, stay safe, stay prepared, and know that we are ready to serve you when you need us most.
Thank you,
Dane Hocott
General Manager / CEO
Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative, Inc.