National Grid Prepares LIPA System for Impact of Projected Blizzard
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John Mitty Thursday, February 7, 2013
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As LIPA's service provider, National Grid is taking advance steps to prepare the LIPA electric system for a blizzard that is projected to bring heavy rain, snow, localized flooding, and damaging winds, with gusts of up to 60 MPH. Weather forecasts are predicting this will be one of the strongest winter storms to hit our area in years. The worst conditions are expected mid-afternoon Friday and continuing well into Saturday with the potential to bring widespread power outages.
We are closely monitoring the storm's progress as we continue to take numerous steps to prepare the system and to be ready for an efficient and timely power restoration effort. Our efforts include securing hundreds of extra line crews, tree trimmers, and support personnel to support the more than 500 lineman and 150 tree trimmers on site. We are also preparing restoration equipment and inventories and pre-stocking strategic locations across the island with wires, transformers, and additional supplies.
As we prepare, it is also important that you take steps to prepare as well:
- Make sure you have a working, battery-powered radio or TV and a good supply of fresh replacement batteries.Have flashlights available for all family members.
- If an electric pump supplies your water, fill spare food-grade containers with water for cooking and washing in anticipation of a possible power interruption.
- Make sure all motor driven equipment, such as garage door openers, can be operated manually.
- When using a portable generator, shut off the main breaker in your electric service panel to ensure power doesn't flow out of your home, which could endanger crews working in your area. And never operate a generator indoors, even in an open garage.
- Have a first aid kit at home and check its contents to make sure they are complete and up to date. If you have family members with special medical needs, such as insulin or other prescription drugs, check to make sure you have an adequate supply.
- Do not use charcoal to cook indoors: deadly carbon monoxide gas can accumulate in your home.
- If you have an elderly neighbor, be a Good Samaritan and check on his or her status.
Additional storm safety and preparedness tips and an informational video and guidance are available online at LIPA's
Storm Center.
In the event of outages resulting from the storm, power will be restored to all customers affected as quickly and safely as possible. We expect that most service will be restored within 24 hours, but some outages could extend beyond that time period, so we urge you to make appropriate preparations.
If you lose power, report it to
1-800-490-0075 (631-755-6900 outside NY Metro area) or
online from a computer or mobile device. You can also report an outage via text messaging - text
OUT to myLIPA (695472) - a free pre-registration is required.
We would also like to remind you to be alert. Please drive carefully and exercise caution when driving near any of the repair crews working to restore power. If you see any downed wire, assume it is live and do not go near it. Report it immediately to
1-800-490-0075 (631-755-6900 outside NY Metro area). Emergency service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
National Grid
Here with you. Here for you.
jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com
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