NYSEG wants to make sure you are prepared when winter weather strikes, so they're offering the following tips.
Courtesy:NYSEG:
Before a storm strikes:
· Enroll in the free NYSEG Alerts service, which provides the latest information about power outages by text message, email, or voice message.
· Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
· Make sure that smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices are fully charged.
· Fill your car’s fuel tank.
During a power interruption:
· Contact neighbors to see if their power is off. A loss of power may be the result of a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.
· When using an emergency heating source, like a wood stove, fireplace, or kerosene heater, keep fuels away from the flames and be sure to ventilate properly.
· Never use grills or camp stoves indoors — they can give off dangerous gases.
· Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours or longer if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.
· Turn off or unplug major appliances to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.
For customers with generators:
· Hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.
· Properly ground all portable generators.
· Carefully read and observe all instructions in your generator’s operating manual.
· Never run a generator indoors, or even in an open garage.
· If your carbon monoxide detector goes off – get out of the building immediately and call 911.
· Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it’s running.
After power is restored:
· Turn on appliances and sensitive electronic equipment one at a time to avoid overloading circuits.
· If a basement or home was flooded, have an electrician check the home before contacting NYSEG to have services turned on.
· Replenish any emergency supplies used during the storm.
The company urges customers to use caution if they see downed lines.
