Five Years After Superstorm Sandy, National Grid Continues to Modernize, Storm Harden Energy Systems

BROOKLYN/LONG ISLAND - In the five years since Superstorm Sandy hit the eastern seaboard and devastated a wide swath of National Grid’s gas service territory in New York, the company continues to invest in its infrastructure to make its energy systems stronger, more resilient and safer for its customers across the state.

“This unprecedented event created a national conversation around the resiliency of our 21^st century energy systems,” said Ken Daly, National Grid’s New York President. “And today, with the recent destruction we have seen from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, we know that extreme weather is here to stay and energy companies like National Grid must continue to invest in the strengthening and hardening of our gas and electricity systems, and incorporate new technologies that will lead to greater safety and reliability and a cleaner environment.”

National Grid is also implementing several Reforming the Energy Vision, or REV initiatives across the state that will help set the foundation for future energy platforms and increase resiliency in the face of extreme weather events.

Some storm hardening projects in NYC and Long Island include: the replacement of nearly 600’ of aging pipeline over the next three years, the conversion of our gas system to high pressure in flood prone areas, investing in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities in Greenpoint and Holtsville to ensure adequate back-up supplies, the move toward 100 percent Automated Meters and a new state-of-the-art natural gas control center on Long Island, which controls the transmission and distribution systems for all of New York State 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are also implementing a REV initiative focused on smarter homes in flood zones including the use of methane detectors.

“While we transition to more resilient future energy systems, the 5th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy is also an opportunity to remind our customers about gas safety in the event of an emergency” adds Daly. "Safety is our number one priority, and we want to ensure our customers can properly prepare and take care of themselves, their families, and their communities. Preparedness is critical to the well-being of our customers and it helps our crews restore service quickly and safely."

National Grid offers the following tips to help customers prepare for gas emergencies:

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Water, nonperishable food, first aid materials, prescriptions, flashlight, batteries and a battery-powered radio are critical items to have in an emergency supply toolkit. A well-thought-out emergency plan and a fully stocked toolkit could mean the difference between life and death.

If You Experience Flooding

Flood waters can permanently damage gas equipment.  Even if the equipment dries out, contaminants can affect electronics and moving parts.  Corrosion is likely and is often hidden where it cannot be seen.  This can lead to failures and can cause fires, even if the equipment appears intact and functions after drying out.

Do not turn off the gas meter even in the event of an evacuation.  The gas meter should be left on to maintain proper pressure in the gas piping within the house and to prevent water from entering the lines should flooding occur.  Most gas appliances have safety valves that shut off the flow of gas automatically if the pilot light goes out.

If your appliances have been in contact with water, please contact a licensed plumbing or heating contractor to make sure the appliances are safe to operate.

If You Suspect a Natural Gas Leak, Call 911 or National Grid

Evacuate your home and move to a safe area.

Call 911 or National Grid's gas emergency number from a safe location:

Long Island and the Rockaway Peninsula:  1-800-490-0045

Metro New York:  1-718-643-4050

These are dedicated Gas Emergency phone numbers.  National Grid has crews on call 24 hours/7 days a week who will respond immediately.  When calling, please provide the exact location, including cross streets.

Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe.

Do NOT smoke, light matches or do anything to create a flame.

Do NOT touch any light switches or electrical equipment and do NOT pull any plugs from outlets.  These items may produce a spark that might ignite the gas and cause an explosion.

Do NOT assume someone else will report the condition.

If You Suspect a CO Leak, Call 911

If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home, go outside immediately and call 911.  Indicators of high levels of carbon monoxide in the home may include:

• Extremely stuffy, stale air.

• Water condensation dripping on the inside of windows.

• Residents exhibiting the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure: flue-like symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, sleepiness, nausea, fluttering of the heart, and loss of muscle control.

Stay Connected to National Grid.

Customers can follow National Grid on Twitter @nationalgridus and connect with National Grid on Facebook for company information or news specific to their service area.