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National Grid Field Force Restoring Power as Wind Storm Continues

Mar 08, 2017

Company urges 'safety first' as 70 mph gusts bring down trees, power lines


A National Grid field force of close to 1,400 workers is focused on restoring power to the more than 105,000 upstate New York customers impacted by an ongoing wind storm that is bringing gusts in excess of 70 miles an hour across portions of the region. The powerful winds are knocking down trees and tree limbs, which are bringing down power lines and poles, and damaging electrical equipment. The company reminds customers to treat all downed lines as live electricity wires, and stay away from the lines and anything coming in contact with them.

Western New York remains the hardest hit, with nearly 80,000 customers impacted by the ongoing strong winds. Portions of central and eastern New York are experiencing scattered outages with winds expected to die down early this evening.

Given the significant damage to equipment and trees, combined with new outages from the sustained high winds, more detailed restoration estimates will be provided once the wind subsides and a thorough damage assessment and analysis can be completed.

In the meantime, crews will continue to work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible in challenging conditions. They are removing trees, repairing damage, replacing poles and restoring power at the same time additional customers are being impacted by the continuing strong winds.

“We are working closely with local officials to coordinate restoration efforts,” said Melanie Littlejohn, National Grid’s New York vice president. “We’re asking customers to remain aware of potential safety hazards such as damaged trees, particularly broken limbs that haven’t yet fallen to the ground. We also ask that drivers use extreme caution as they approach work areas, to ensure the safety of utility and other storm-response personnel.”

Electric Safety

National Grid asks customers to stay alert for electricity service interruptions:

  • Keep National Grid’s power outage reporting number – 1-800-867-5222 – on hand in case needed. In an outage, our customers should call this number immediately to expedite restoration.

  • If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to only operate it outdoors. Regardless of ventilation, never operate a generator indoors. Before operating a generator, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.

  • Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. If you see a downed line, report it immediately to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or your local emergency response organization.

  • Keep a number of working flashlights, at least one battery-operated radio and an extra supply of batteries in your home. A radio is a good way to stay informed, as National Grid keeps news media up-to-date on service restoration efforts.

  • In case an outage is prolonged, keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, along with some canned food and a manual can opener.

  • Our customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-642-4272. (In a medical emergency, always dial 911.)

National Grid also advises staying tuned to local media for important announcements from emergency officials about possible evacuations or other emergency procedures. In most areas, information on storm shelter locations is available by calling 211. Also, please check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance in a service outage.

Stay Connected

National Grid offers several ways to stay informed and safe – before, during and after a storm:

    • For real-time power outage information, online outage reporting, and in-depth storm safety information, visit theOutage Central section of our website, www.nationalgridus.com.Customers who create an online profile on our website can also sign up for email alerts.

    • To receive text message alerts and updates from National Grid, text the word STORM to NGRID (64743).

    • Online and text alert services can be started and stopped at the customer’s request.

    • Other ways to stay in touch:

Click here for a video on how National Grid restores power after a major storm.

Categories:

Upstate NY