(Jim Flannery, National Grid Vice President of Generation, provides an update on the company’s emergency response plan and storm hardening efforts)

Hurricane season officially began on June 1 and this year marks the 10-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. This is the seventh year in a row that The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-average hurricane season. On the heels of last year’s deadly Hurricane Ida and with the upcoming Sandy anniversary, it’s a stark reminder to be prepared.

National Grid participated in the American Red Cross of Long Island meeting in Long Beach to urge Long Islanders to be prepared for an active hurricane season which runs through the end of November.

Jim Flannery, National Grid Vice President of Generation and a Red Cross Board Member, spoke at the event providing an update on our emergency response plan and storm hardening efforts for the upcoming season.

“Every year, our employees prepare and train for storms and emergencies,” said Flannery. “We just completed an extensive drill for a gas outage on Long Island to ensure that we have all of our emergency plans and procedures in place to keep our customers safe and to provide them with reliable service.”  

The introduction of innovative restoration technology will improve response times. For instance, installing an automatic service shut-off valve near a customer’s gas meter provides an extra safety precaution to protect customers. Many of these valves have already been installed in Long Beach.

National Grid is proud to partner with the Red Cross of Long Island, NYS Department of Homeland Security, Nassau County FRES, Nassau County OEM, The City of Long Beach, Suffolk County FRES and PSEG Long Island.

Related news coverage

Fox 5 -  Atlantic hurricane season: Long Island utilities and agencies getting ready (fox5ny.com)

CBS2 -  American Red Cross raises awareness for impending hurricane season  

Newsday - Be ready for hurricane season that starts Wednesday, Red Cross and officials advise

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