NATCHEZ — Natchez Entergy Customer Service Manager Tim Runnels said Entergy had approximately 4,350 employees mobilizing outside of the local service territory preparing to come into Mississippi and Louisiana after the storm has passed. Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association has also activated crews from other associations, should their help be needed.

The crews will assess any damage and work to get any residents’ power knocked out by storm back on as soon as possible.

“If (the storm) turns out to be not as strong as we predict, our number (of employees) may be reduced based on need,” Runnels said. “And if it intensifies, our numbers will be increased.”

Entergy customers can report an outage by calling 1-800-Entergy; Southwest customers can report an outage by calling 1-800-287-8564.

Adams County Emergency Management Director Stan Owens said residents should be wary of downed utility lines and treat them all as if they are electrically charged.

Anyone using a generator should make sure it is properly ventilated and is run outdoors and not inside a home, Owens said.