PSEG Long Island Readies for Year's First Snowstorm

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Jan 01, 2014, 01:15 ET

UNIONDALE, N.Y., Jan. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- PSEG Long Island is closely monitoring the track of the first snowstorm of 2014 and is making emergency preparations should the storm bring heavy snow and gusty winds to our service territory. At this time, the storm is expected to begin impacting Long Island and the Rockaways early Thursday and continue into Friday before clearing late morning.

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In anticipation of the storm, PSEG Long Island is taking the following steps to ensure that the utility is ready to respond to any resulting power outages:

Ensuring that all available personnel are ready to respond beginning Thursday.
Arranging for contractors, including tree crews, to assist the utility's own skilled workforce.
Ensuring that additional supplies, such as poles, transformers and other pole-top equipment, are on hand.
Ensuring that all vehicles are fueled and ready to go.
Testing generators at utility locations.
Coordinating with county and municipal emergency management personnel to inform them of outages and expedite restoration efforts.

Snow, by itself, does not pose a serious problem for utilities, but heavy snow, icing and strong winds can increase the possibility of downed wires and associated power outages. Cars striking utility poles can also cause wires to come down.

Depending on the severity of the storm, response times for services may be longer than usual. PSEG Long Island asks for patience and cooperation as we work to safely restore service as quickly as possible. As the storm gets closer, the utility will provide information about estimated restoration times.

To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSEG Long Island's Customer Service line at 1-800-490-0075. PSEG Long Island uses an automated system to handle customer calls as efficiently as possible. Customers who get an automated response when calling PSEG Long Island are encouraged to use it, as it is designed to route their calls to the right destination. If you have specific information regarding damage to wires, transformers or poles, we ask that you stay on the line to speak with a representative to provide that information.

Customers with a handheld device, or who are at an alternate location with power, can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account at www.psegliny.com. General outage activity throughout our service territory is available online at www.psegliny.com and updates are posted on www.psegliny.com/stormcenter during severe weather.

In addition, if outages are widespread, the utility will activate its Twitter page to keep the public informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a follower at http://twitter.com/PSEGLI to monitor restoration progress.

PSEG Long Island offers the following tips should the storm result in outages:

DOWNED POWER LINES
Accumulation of ice and heavy snow may weigh down power lines and as a result cause power lines to come down. Downed wires may appear dead but should always be considered "live." STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with. Parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where their children might play and to remind the children to stay far away from any wires. If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay in the vehicle until help arrives. To report a downed wire, call 1-800-490-0075 and tell PSEG Long Island the nearest cross street.

CUSTOMERS WITH LIFE-SUSTAINING EQUIPMENT
Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with PSEG Long Island to receive priority attention in the event of an outage. To request the service, call PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0075. They should also inform their rescue squads and fire departments of their needs, in case of emergency. Even though customers with life-sustaining equipment who have registered with PSEG Long Island will receive priority attention during outages, they should also have emergency back-up equipment on hand, since immediate restoration cannot be guaranteed.

IF YOU LOSE POWER
First check your neighborhood. If you are the only one without power, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. If that's not the problem, look outside at the wire between your house and the utility pole. If it is down, report it immediately to PSEG Long Island.

GENERAL TIPS
Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It's wise to have an emergency kit on hand year round. Here are some things to include:

A battery powered radio.
A corded telephone. (Cordless phones will not work if the power is out.)
Flashlights and extra fresh batteries.
A first-aid kit.
Bottled water and an adequate supply of non-perishable food.
A non-electric can opener.
Matches and candles with holders.
Extra blankets and sleeping bags.
A list of emergency phone numbers, including PSEG Long Island's Customer Service line: 1-800-490-0075. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires.

PSEG Long Island LLC was selected by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) in Dec. 2011 to manage LIPA's electric system. The 12-year contract includes commitments to improve customer satisfaction and provide safe, reliable service for LIPA customers. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE: PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company with annual revenues of more than $10 billion.

SOURCE PSEG Long Island