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RALEIGH — Utility service providers are getting crews in place should Hurricane Earl impact their customers.

In addition to having crews in western North Carolina on standby, the North Carolina Electric Cooperatives have so far coordinated with three other states - Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi - with up to 400 additional employees ready to help out if needed.

"The calls have been made, and they're ready to come if needed,” said Jane Pritchard of North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives. “The really great thing about the cooperative system nationwide, is that all of our lines, our designs, are universal."

Other service providers said they've also got crews on alert, should Hurricane Earl take a more western course.

"Time Warner Cable has a very detailed, organized plan that we've actually practiced several times this year already,” said Andi Curtis of Time Warner Cable. “We're doing things like stocking our trucks with tools and equipment, things like generators."

In the event of a power outage, North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives said they may call for more outside help. Cooperatives cover most of the coast, an estimated 368,000 customers.