National Grid has more than 2,600 Field Workers ready as forecasts call for damaging winds across Upstate New York
| Customers are reminded to keep safety a priority, connect to the company for updates |
Dan Kowalik, Emergency Manager, Town of Newstead/Village of Akron has shared the following information provided by National Grid:
As National Grid prepares for high winds that are expected to move across upstate New York today, the company has increased staffing across the region to more than 2,600 line, service, tree, damage assessment and public safety workers. The bolstered field force includes contractors and crews from utilities across the northeast and Canada. The resources will be deployed as needed across upstate New York, where wind gusts in some areas are forecasted to exceed 60 mph. Forecasters are calling for some of the most damaging winds to impact areas along the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario shorelines of western New York. In anticipation of the potential for extended power outages in the region, National Grid is prepared to distribute dry ice and bottled water to impacted customers from noon to 6 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the following locations:
Dunkirk Training Grounds, 665 Brigham Rd., Dunkirk, 14048; JFK Recreation Center, 114 Hickory St. 18 Evans St., Buffalo, 14204; City of Batavia Fire Station. Batavia, 14020
If the weather system results in power outages, National Grid will work closely with local officials to coordinate restoration efforts. The company reminds customers to remain aware of potential safety hazards such as damaged trees, particularly broken limbs that haven’t yet fallen to the ground. As always, all downed wires should be considered live and dangerous and should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 911.
Estimated Restoration Times
• In the early stages of a storm, restoration times on National Grid’s Outage Central site may be listed as “assessing conditions.” This is because debris such as trees, tree limbs, and downed wires, must be cleared away so that damage to our equipment can be assessed and restoration plans can be executed.
• It’s normal for outage numbers and Estimated Restoration Times to fluctuate as we de-energize lines to make conditions safe for repairs. Additionally, there could be new outages that occur if strong, damaging winds continue.
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• Outage Central Reminder: Our Outage Central page shows the estimated time of restoration for communities and reflects the estimated time for the last customer in that community to have power restored. The most accurate way for customers to check on the power restoration estimate for their specific address is to log into our Report or Check Outage page.
The Restoration Process
The company’s first priority is to ensure the safety of our customers and our crews by clearing away dangers such as live, downed power lines. Next come repairs to main transmission facilities, including towers, poles and high-tension wires that deliver power to thousands of customers. Recovery work at local substations also is a top priority, followed by repairs to neighborhood circuits, transformers and service wires. Click here for information about the company’s restoration process. National Grid offers customers of the following safety tips: 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 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 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 a number of working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home.
• Charge all electronic devices.
• 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.
Stay informed and connected:
• Customers can receive personalized alerts by text, email, and/or phone when an outage is
Stay informed and connected:
• Customers can receive personalized alerts by text, email, and/or phone when an outage is detected at their property by enrolling in the company’s outage alert option. To register, text REG to 64743, enter your National Grid electricity account number and select your preferred method(s) of notification. 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 register to receive email alerts.