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Blizzard 2020: National Grid increases staffing, prepares for forecasted conditions across portions of upstate New York

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Thu, Feb 27th 2020 12:00 pm

Company crews are at the ready; customers reminded to keep safety a priority

National Grid is increasing evening and overnight staffing and closely monitoring the winter storm forecasted to bring blizzard conditions to portions of upstate New York on Thursday and Friday. High winds and heavy snow accumulation are expected in Western and Central New York, particularly in communities east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and in the Adirondacks. Customers are encouraged 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.

•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 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 working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in the home and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm.

•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 & 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 an outage on their properties is detected.

•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 who create an online profile also can sign up for email alerts.

•Visit www.nationalgridus.com, or on Twitter and Facebook.

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