National Grid Prepared for March Nor’easter

Company Urges Safety in the Event of Flooding During Storm

BROOKLYN/HICKSVILLE, NY – National Grid crews are prepared for the forecasted nor’easter which is bearing down on the region Thursday evening through Friday.  Forecasts are calling for the nor’easter to bring bands of rain and high winds across New York City and Long Island.  Flooding along coastal areas is of particular concern and can cause interruptions in natural gas service.

Safety is a number one priority and as the company manages the impact of this storm, it is urging customers to watch out for their own wellbeing and the safety of utility crews working during the storm as crews work to restore service as swiftly as possible if flooding should impact the gas system.

National Grid is mobilizing crews and equipment resources in the areas expected to be affected, and will have additional field and support personnel ready in the event of severe damage from flooding.  Crews will patrol low-lying, flood-prone areas and natural gas facilities.

The company is continuously monitoring the storm and communicating with local officials and first responders throughout the region to keep them updated on preparations and provide contact and safety information that can be passed along to constituents in the event of severe flooding.  It also is prepared to implement its Incident Command System (ICS), if necessary.

National Grid provides a number of channels for customers to learn about service issues and interruptions during storms including email alerts and updates through Facebook and Twitter.

To ensure safety, National Grid advises customers of the following gas safety tips:

Carbon Monoxide

• The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu. Depending upon the amount of carbon monoxide 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 right away.

Smell gas, Act fast. 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 911 first and then National Grid 24-hour gas emergency number for Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island at 718-643-4050; on Long Island and the Rockaway Peninsula call 1-800-490-0045 or call 911.
• Stay Out - Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe.

If you experience flooding in your home and your appliances have been in contact with water, please contact a plumbing or heating contractor to make sure the appliance is safe to operate.

Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period.