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National Grid Increases Staffing, Extends Work Shifts as Damaging Winds, Snow Expected Through Monday in Central and Eastern New York

Mar 10, 2024 - 1:08 PM

Categories:

Upstate NY

Safety

Storm Response

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National Grid has increased staffing and extended work shifts as damaging winds and heavy, wet snow remain in the forecast through Monday for portions of Eastern, Central and Northern New York. With wind gusts of up to 50 mph, and a foot or more of heavy, wet snow expected in some regions, the company has supplemented its field force with external crews from Illinois, Michigan. New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The service, tree, damage assessment and public safety workers have been mobilized in areas anticipated to be most severely impacted by the storm.

Crews are already active clearing away damage – including downed trees and power lines – and restoring service in Eastern New York, where heavy, wet snow has impacted customers in Essex, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

The company encourages customers to keep safety a priority with the following reminders:

Electricity & Generator Safety

  • If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.
  • 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 working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm.
  • Stay tuned to local news outlets or the National Weather Service for storm updates, weather alerts
  • If the power is out, use flashlights or other battery-powered lights. Do not use candles, which can pose a fire hazard.
  • 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.

Safety Near Downed Power Lines

  • Always use extreme caution near downed power lines and wires, and always assume that they are carrying live electricity.
  • Never touch a person or an object that is in contact with a downed line, as electricity can pass through to you.
  • Take caution when approaching fallen trees, which could have power lines caught in them.
  • Remember that water can conduct electricity. If you see a line down in a puddle or flooded area, avoid contact with the water to prevent risk of shock.

Learn more about downed power line safety at our website.

Stay Informed and Connected

  • Customers with active electricity accounts who text ‘REG’ to 64743 can have personalized alerts sent to them via text, email or phone call when we detect an outage on their properties.
  • Customers also can text ‘OUT’ to 64743 to report an outage.
  • For real-time power outage information, online outage reporting, and in-depth storm safety information, visit National Grid’s Outage Central website. Customers are encouraged to make sure that National Grid has their correct addresses and phone numbers on file. Customers who create online profiles also can register for email alerts. Visit our website: www.nationalgridus.com, follow us on X and like us on Facebook.
  • Click here for details on the company’s storm preparation and restoration process. 

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find us on Instagram.

Media Contacts

Jared Paventi

Syracuse (Central NY)

(315) 427-1092

Send an email to Contact 1

Patrick Stella

Albany (Eastern NY)

(518) 433-3838

Send an email to Contact 2

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