NYSEG Preparing for Snowy Conditions

Snowfall expected to begin Sunday, Company readying crews to address any service interruptions

Binghamton, N.Y. — January 31, 2020, 2:30 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is preparing for the potential of significant snowfall that could impact portions of the company’s service area beginning on Sunday afternoon through Tuesday.  

Current forecasts call for snow to begin late Sunday, continuing into Tuesday evening, and could accumulate up to 12 inches. Winds are predicted to average 25 mph, with max gusts at 30 mph in most of the state. Wind gusts could reach 40-45 mph in the company’s Brewster Division and the southeastern part of the Liberty division which includes portions of Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester and Orange Counties. There is always a potential that trees and branches may break and fall onto electrical equipment, causing service disruptions for customers.
 
The company’s storm readiness teams have been monitoring weather forecasts, planning, readying crews and equipment, coordinating with municipal officials, mobilizing employees for storm duty and have additional contract tree and line crews ready to help restore service should outages occur. The company urges customers to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions.

Company Preparations

Readying Crews 
Company and contractor crews will be onsite and prepared to facilitate an effective and efficient response if outages occur. Resources will be placed on a rotational schedule to ensure response through the overnight hours as necessary. 

Equipment Summary
The line and tree crews will be prepared to respond to any wind or snow related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks and backhoes. Additionally, new wooden poles and replacement transformers are being strategically placed to streamline restoration efforts.

How to Stay Up-To-Date 
NYSEG will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). Customers should also sign up for email alerts and download the NYSEG mobile app to get the most up-to-date information. 

Safety Tips
The company also offer customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do occur.

Before a storm strikes

• Use our new mobile app to report and check the status of outages. To download the application, customers should search “AVANGRID” in the Apple or Android app stores and select “NYSEG”. The application is free to download.
• Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or email as the company updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for Outage Alerts by visiting here for NYSEG.
• 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.

Stay Away From Downed Wires

• Stay at least 30 feet from a downed power line.
• If a downed wire comes in contact with your vehicle, stay inside and wait for help. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, jump clear of the vehicle to avoid any contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and hop with feet together or shuffle away; don’t run or stride.
• NYSEG customers should call 800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.

Winter Safety

• Keep electric and gas meters and regulators clear of snow and ice by using a broom or by hand – not a shovel.
• Snow should not be pushed or piled around electric or natural gas meters.
• Beware of exhaust getting trapped by snow around an appliance sidewall outside vent from a natural gas appliance. All equipment outside vents should be kept clear of snow and ice.

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.
• To report a power interruption, contact NYSEG at 800.572.1131.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.

Power Restoration Priorities
The company’s first priorities are to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. NYSEG customers are asked to call 800.572.1131 to report downed wires. Once this vital public safety work is complete, the company will:

• Assess the damage to the electricity delivery system. 
• Develop a detailed restoration plan.
• Make repairs as quickly as possible.

For additional information, including storm preparation tips, storm safety information, generator safety information, restoration priorities and emergency resources, visit Outage Central at NYSEG.com and on the company’s social media pages:

• Facebook: @NYSEandG
• Twitter: @NYSEandG