PSEG Long Island Prepares for Weekend Storm

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Oct 31, 2014, 04:21 ET

UNIONDALE, N.Y., Oct. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- PSEG Long Island is monitoring the forecast for a weekend storm that is expected to bring rain and strong winds Saturday into Sunday evening.

In preparation for the upcoming weather, PSEG Long Island is performing system checks on critical transmission & distribution equipment and performing logistics checks to ensure the availability of critical materials, fuel and other supplies.

PSEG Long Island logo

PSEG Long Island will have personnel on hand through the weekend to deal with any weather-related outages due to high winds expected to affect our service territory. Contractors, including tree crews, will be available to assist the utility's own skilled workforce if necessary.

DOWNED POWER LINES
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. If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay in the vehicle until help arrives. Additionally, parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where their children might play. To report a downed wire, call 1-800-490-0075 and tell PSEG Long Island the nearest cross street.

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.

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, PSEG Long Island asks that you stay on the line to speak with a representative to provide that information.

Customers with a handheld device can also report power outages by texting "OUT" to PSEGLI (773454). You will receive confirmation that your outage has been submitted and will begin receiving updates on the status of your outage. This requires a one-time registration. To register, text REG to PSEGLI (773454) or visit the My Account section of the PSEG Long Island website. General outage activity throughout our service territory is also available online and on our mobile website at www.psegliny.com. Updates are posted on www.psegliny.com/stormcenter during severe weather.

In addition, if outages are widespread, the utility will activate its social media pages to keep the public informed about our restoration progress. Customers can follow us at http://twitter.com/PSEGLI and http://www.facebook.com/PSEGLI.

At PSEG Long Island, employee and customer safety is first and foremost. Remember, safety is always the only choice.

WHEN YOU DRIVE PAST OUR WORKSITES OR VEHICLES
Please slow down and be alert when driving past a PSEG Long Island roadwork jobsite. Driving too fast can endanger employees and hamper their ability to perform important work. PSEG Long Island crews use work area protection – traffic cones, utility work signs and flaggers – to allow them to do their jobs safely. Follow safe driving techniques to prevent fender-benders or more serious collisions that could delay our service technicians as they respond to customer calls or emergencies.

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. They should also inform their rescue squads and fire departments of their needs, in case of emergency. Customers with life-sustaining equipment should also have emergency back-up equipment on hand, since immediate restoration cannot be guaranteed.

GENERAL TIPS
Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It's wise to have an emergency kit on hand year round. 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 operates the Long Island Power Authority's transmission and distribution system under a 12-year contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company with annual revenues of $10 billion.