National Grid Prepared for Storm Activity Across Upstate New York

                                                                                                                                                     CONTACTS:

Patrick Stella                 518-433-3838

Virginia Limmiatis         315-452-7708

Dave Bertola                  716-831-7136

In preparation for heavy rain and high winds across portions of upstate New York, National Grid has line, service and tree workers ready to respond if the weather impacts electricity service.

The company is providing customers with the following safety reminders:

Electricity & Generator Safety

• If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.

• Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed lines should immediately be reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 911.
• Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. 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 and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm.
• Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power.
• Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.

Stay informed and connected

• For real-time power outage information, online outage reporting, and in-depth storm safety information, visit National Grid’s Outage Central website. Customers who create an online profile also can sign up for email alerts.
• Customers also can enroll in outage alerts by texting REG to 64743. Enrolled customers will receive personalized alerts by text, email, and/or phone when we detect an outage on their property. Customers also can text OUT to 64743 to report an outage. Please note that only active electricity account customers can enroll in outage alerts.
• Please note that only active electric accounts can enroll in outage alerts.
• Visit our website: www.nationalgridus.com, follow us on Twitter and friend us on Facebook.