SYRACUSE, NY — National Grid is preparing for a potentially powerful winter storm that is forecasted to impact much of upstate New York beginning Thursday.
To prepare, the company has increased its statewide staffing to include 1,900 line, service, tree, damage assessment and public safety workers. The bolstered field force includes external resources and will be deployed as necessary, as high winds, rain and heavy snow are forecasted through Saturday for several counties in western and central New York, including communities east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. In eastern New York forecasts call for wind, heavy rain and the possibility of isolated flooding.
National Grid will continue to closely monitor the weather, and has activated its
comprehensive emergency response plan, including:
• Calling in extra resources, and mobilizing field and tree crews.
• Pre-staging crews and materials in areas anticipated to be most severely impacted.
• Proactively reaching out to elected, municipal and emergency management officials to keep them updated on our preparations and provide safety information.
• Reaching out directly to customers through traditional and social media, email and texts and on our website to provide safety information and to urge them to be prepared.
• Conducting outbound calls to life support and critical facility customers to ensure they are prepared.
In anticipation of the storm, the company is encouraging 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.
• 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 working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm.
• 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.