By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

Clanton is ranked third among the top four central Alabama areas affected most with power outages.

An Alabama Power update at 4 p.m. on Sept. 11 informed that approximately 15,000 of its customers are without power in central Alabama, 1,750 of which are in Clanton.

Other areas listed include:

• Auburn/Opelika: approximately 9,000 customers
• Montgomery: approximately 1,870 customers
• Deatsvile: approximately 490 customers

“Work to restore power is ongoing where it is safe to do so,” Alabama Power representative Mike Jordan said.

Recorded at the bottom of the update were the following safety instructions:

• “If power is out, call Alabama Power’s automated reporting system (1-800-888-2726). It is a fast way to report an outage or a hazardous situation, such as a downed power line.”
• “Turn off appliances to avoid any potential safety hazards when power is restored.”
• “Stay away from downed lines. Do not drive over lines or under low-hanging lines. Keep children and pets away from downed lines. Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or anything else caught in power lines. Call Alabama Power (1-800-888-2726) or law enforcement if downed lines are spotted.”
• “Stay clear of areas with fallen trees or debris where downed lines may be hidden. Debris or downed trees could conceal an energized line. DO not attempt to repair the electrical system or pull tree limbs off lines. Let our trained work crews perform this potentially dangerous work. Stay away from areas where crews are working.”

For more information about Alabama Power, visit alabamapower.com. To receive further updates concerning power outage in Alabama, check out the Alabama Power Facebook page.