With icy conditions, high winds forecast throughout New York, National Grid urges safety

Field force is ready in the event of power interruptions

Editorial by National Grid

With sleet, freezing rain and high winds in the forecast for large portions of upstate New York, National Grid is closely monitoring the weather and is prepared if the storm damages the local system. The company provides the following safety tips so customers can be prepared:

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 be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or to a local emergency response organization.

•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 both crews and 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.

•Please drive carefully and use caution when driving near any crews working to restore power.

•Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.

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 our website, 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 at www.nationalgridus.com
• Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nationalgridus
• “Friend” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nationalgrid
• Click here for a video on how National Grid restores power after a major storm