What To Do If The Power Goes Out

With wind gusts as high as 70 MPH possible, mixed with heavy rain, it’s likely that some will lose power as a result of Tropical Storm Isaias, expected to arrive this afternoon.

Electric companies Eversource and United Illuminating both say they are ready to address power outages, though it’s key that should your power go out, you need to let your provider know that; don’t assume they know. You can sign up for alerts, visit the power outage maps on their websites, check their social media accounts and have the 800 number handy to alert the utility if you do lose power.

Check back with Patch for updates on outages. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know from Eversource and UI:

For United Illuminating customers:

UI is preparing for Tropical Storm Isaias. You should, too.

We are monitoring weather forecasts and making preparations for Tropical Storm Isaias.

The storm is moving north along the U.S. East Coast and is currently projected to bring lashing winds and heavy rain to Connecticut Tuesday afternoon and evening. These conditions could cause disruptions to some customers’ electric service.

Our storm team began meeting last week to plan for Isaias. We have been developing staffing plans and readying crews and equipment so we have the resources in place to respond decisively should Isaias affect our area. In addition to our own crews, we have secured contractor support and are working with our mutual assistance group, along with the other AVANGRID companies, in case additional resources are needed. Preparations are being coordinated with state and local emergency management authorities.

During the pandemic, our crews and contractors, as well as mutual assistance personnel, are working under special COVID-19 protocols to keep themselves and the public safe.

We prepare year-round for storms, and so should you.

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What to do now:

• Sign up now to receive Outage Alerts or, text “REG” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI) to receive outage alerts by text message, email, or voice message

• Download our mobile app now at the App Store and Google Play to report an outage and access Outage Lists and Maps

• Keep long-lasting LED flashlights and lanterns on hand, along with a battery-operated radio, fresh batteries, drinking water, non-perishable foods and prescription medications.

• Fully charge mobile devices and store emergency contacts in memory.

• Fuel your vehicles and fill spare fuel tanks for generators.

Generators:

• Do not use a generator that plugs into your home’s electrical system unless it was installed by a licensed electrician via a transfer switch. Improperly connected generators can back-feed electricity into the outside grid and pose a danger to the public and to crews working to restore service.

• Carefully read and observe all safety instructions in your generator’s operating manual.

For additional storm readiness and safety information:

For Eversource customers:

With the effects of Tropical Storm Isaias expected to begin impacting New England Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, Eversource is closely monitoring the track of the strong storm. While continuing to operate under its COVID-19 pandemic plan and adhering to its strict social distancing, hygiene and enhanced sanitation measures to safeguard the health and well-being of workers and customers, the energy company’s line and tree crews are ready to respond to any damage or outages caused by this storm.

“With many customers still working remotely during this challenging time, we recognize how important it is to have reliable power,” said Eversource Vice President of Electric Operations Mike Hayhurst. “Working under the challenging conditions related to the pandemic, our crews are positioned around the state and ready to respond
to any damage or outages caused by Tropical Storm Isaias. Our team will work around-the-clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible – yet some restorations may take longer as we work to ensure the safety of our employees and customers.”

Eversource reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires and to report them immediately to 9-1-1. Be sure to report any outage online at www.eversource.com, or by calling 800-286-2000. Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.

The energy company always encourages customers to prepare for any severe weather by assembling or restocking a storm kit and making arrangements to look out for their families, friends and neighbors. Eversource also offers the following tips on its website to help customers prepare for emergencies:

This article originally appeared on the East Haven Patch