National Grid Urges Safety with Snow and Wintry Mix Expected to Impact Portions of Upstate New York

Clear Outside Vents to Avoid Buildup of Deadly Carbon Monoxide

SYRACUSE, N.Y.  –  With most of upstate New York under a winter storm warning, National Grid is increasing its overnight staffing and will have line crews report for duty earlier than normal tomorrow morning. The company is prepared for the upcoming storm and provides the following safety tips so customers can be prepared as well.

Electricity & Generator Safety

• If a power outage occurs, customers should call National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 to expedite restoration.
• Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed lines should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or to your local emergency response organization.
• Generators used to supply power during an outage, must be operated outdoors. 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.
• Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642-4272. (In a medical emergency, always dial 911.)
• Keep a number of working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home.
• Please drive carefully and use caution when driving near any repair crews working to restore power.
• Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.

Natural Gas Safety: Avoid Ice and Snow Buildup around Gas Equipment

• The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu, and can include headaches, weakness, confusion, chest tightness, skin redness, dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, heart fluttering or loss of muscle control. If you suspect carbon monoxide is present in your home, immediately go outside and breathe deeply; then call 911.
• Customers and snow removal contractors should be aware of the location of natural gas equipment to avoid coming in contact with meters and outside gas risers.
• Cleared snow should never be piled around vents.
• Ice and snow falling from a roof can damage gas meters and service connections, resulting in potential gas leaks. Customers should take immediate action if a natural gas leak is suspected:

  • Get Out - All occupants should leave the house immediately. Do not use the telephone, light switches or automatic garage door openers for any reason.
  • Call Us – After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call National Grid’s 24-hour gas emergency number: 1-800-892-2345.
  • Stay Out - Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe.

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 the Outage Central section of 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:
• Visit our website: nationalgridus.com.
• Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nationalgridus 
• Friend us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/nationalgrid

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