SCBIZ Daily Staff
CHARLESTON -- As hurricane hunters track Tropical Storm Hanna’s meandering course, the area’s utilities are prepping for the possibility of power outages. 

South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. said Tuesday it is readying equipment and supplies and securing emergency provisions. The utility also said it has contacted neighboring utilities to request storm restoration support if a hurricane strikes the company’s service territory.

On Tuesday, Santee Cooper entered its “Condition 1” stage of alert, utility spokeswoman Mollie Gore said. Employees were asked to review storm response plans and prepare for their emergency response roles.

“The first stage of alert means we are anticipating a potential for disaster causing conditions within about 72 hours that would affect our service area,” Gore said. “We have a carefully thought out plan for restoring power in the event of an outage.”

To report an outage to SCE&G, call 1-888-333-4465. Customers can also make reports via electronic mobile devices or at the utility’s storm Web site.

Santee Cooper customers should call 1-888-769-7688 to report an outage.