When Storms Come In, We Head Out

National Grid Crews Are Responding to Power Outages

With the biggest snowstorm of the season bearing down right now on Massachusetts and Rhode Island, National Grid has approximately 230 overhead line crews and hundreds of other employees and support staff responding to power outages mainly caused by wind and heavy wet snow damaging equipment and bringing down trees and power lines.

As our crews work around the clock to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible in challenging conditions, including blizzard conditions in areas of Rhode Island, we encourage customers to stay safe and keep these important safety tips in mind. If you lose power, report it to National Grid at 1-800-465-1212.

Customers Urged to Stay Safe During and After the Storm

The company offers the following tips for customers to minimize inconvenience and maximize safety in the event that storm-related power interruptions occur.

• National Grid customers who experience an outage should call National Grid at 1-800-465-1212 to expedite restoration.
• Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electricity wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency response organization.
• People who depend on electricity-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a life support customer, call the company’s New England Customer Service Center at 1-800-322-3223.
• Please drive carefully and use caution when driving near any repair crews working to restore power.
• Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period.

Electricity & Generator Safety

• If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to operate it outdoors. Before operating a generator, disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize the safety of line crews and the public.
• If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.
• Remember, it’s not safe to work in an elevated bucket during periods of increased wind gusts. Our line workers begin restoration work only when conditions are deemed safe.

Gas Safety

• The buildup of ice and snow around or over gas meters and vents for natural gas appliances could pose a serious safety risk. Ice and snow falling from a roof can damage gas meters or service connections to customers’ homes or businesses, resulting in a gas leak.
• Ice and snow blocking vents could cause carbon monoxide (CO) to back up into a building and result in carbon monoxide poisoning for those inside.
• To avoid these dangers, National Grid advises natural gas customers to closely inspect areas around and over gas meters, service hook-ups and vents for ice and snow that could damage equipment or prevent CO from properly venting.
• National Grid advises that you take immediate action anytime you suspect a natural gas leak:

  • Get Out - All occupants should leave the house immediately. Do not use the telephone or light switches for any reason.
  • Call Us – After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call the National Grid 24-hour gas emergency number: In Massachusetts: 1-800-233-5325; In Rhode Island: 1-800-640-1595.
  • Stay Out - Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe.

Carbon Monoxide

The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu. Depending upon the amount of CO in the air and length of exposure, symptoms may include headaches, weakness, confusion, chest tightness, skin redness, dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, fluttering of the heart or loss of muscle control. If you suspect carbon monoxide is present in your home, go outside immediately and breathe deeply; then call 911. If symptoms are severe, get medical attention.

Stay Connected to National Grid

National Grid provides multiple channels for customers to learn about service issues and interruptions during storms. Customers can follow the storm on their mobile devices by using the National Grid mobile app or texting the word STORM to NGRID (64743). The company provides real time outage information on its Outage Central web site at www.nationalgridus.com/OutageCentral. National Grid also provides storm and restoration updates through Facebook and Twitter.