Updated 10/29/2012 12:32 PM
RG&E and NYSEG Crews Ready for Sandy
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RG&E and
NYSEG crews from around the state are on standby by right now with their trucks and equipment ready for the rain, flooding and wind expected to come with this storm.
Spokesman Dan Hucko said this storm is so widespread it is being considered a statewide event for the electric and natural gas company. That means crews from Buffalo to Plattsburgh to Brewster, NY are not being deployed to any one area of the state but are staying put to deal with what may come their way. Hucko said however, they are also packed up and ready to deploy to another area that may see more damage.
"That's been one of the issues with this particular storm, the uncertainty of it number one," explained Hucko. "It's really going to affect the entire state of NY so we have to plan for that eventuality. After it hits and the damage is done, then we'll be able to adjust and move people and materials to areas where they need to go."
RG&E has also contacted mutual aid companies, and crews from states as far away as Wisconsin and Indiana that are ready to come and help out. Hucko says customers should expect outages and RG&E and NYSEG have a standard protocol about who they work to get back online first.
"Transmission lines first because they affect the most customers," said Hucko. "Then we'll work in the substations. Then we'll get into the distribution systems, the major distribution lines that carry a lot of customers."
RG&E and NYSEG want you to call if your power does go out so they can track where those outages are.
Those numbers are for RG&E 1-800-743-1701 and for NYSEG 1800-572-1131.
Some safety tips from the power company:
Downed Power Lines
RG&E urges customers to avoid downed power lines. Even lines that appear dead can be deadly. RG&E customers should call 1-800-743-1701 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations. Refrain from removing tree debris as downed power lines may be entangled in them.
Flooded Basements
RG&E also reminds customers to stay out of flooded basements because energized wiring or outlets below the water line may pose a hazard. Natural gas service in a flooded basement may also pose a danger. If your basement or home is in danger of flooding, contact RG&E to turn off your electricity and/or natural gas service.
Life-Sustaining Equipment
Anyone who uses life-sustaining equipment that operates on electricity should contact RG&E at 1-800-743-2110. We may enroll you in one of our critical customer programs or provide you with specific advice on how to prepare for power interruptions.
Additional Tips
- Keep flashlights, a battery-powered radio and fresh batteries handy.
- Have at least one telephone that is not dependent on electricity. (Cordless phones won’t work during a power interruption.)
- Keep a supply of non-perishable food and bottled water on hand.
- If you have a cell phone, make sure the battery is fully charged.
- Contact neighbors to see if their power is off. You may have simply blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.
- Contact RG&E at 1.800.743.1701 to report a power interruption, and please have your account number handy. Our telephone systems let you report the problem, helps our crews respond quickly and efficiently, and provides you with power interruption updates. You can call as often as you like for updates. Because many people may be trying to reach us during a power interruption, phone lines may be busy. Please be patient.
- If your basement or home is in danger of flooding, contact RG&E to turn off your electricity and/or natural gas service. Never enter a flooded basement or home until electricity and natural gas service have been turned off.
- Listen to a battery-powered radio for weather and power restoration updates.
- Turn off major appliances (electric water heaters, refrigerators and freezers) and sensitive electronic equipment (TVs, VCRs, DVD players, computers, stereos) to prevent overloading and possible damage when power is restored. Turning off this equipment may mean that you have to unplug it, turn off the circuit breaker or remove the fuse for the circuit in your home that provides power to this equipment. Leave one light switch “on” so you’ll know when power has been restored.
- Emergency generators can be dangerous. If you use one, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Operate your generator outdoors in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area and never indoors or in a garage.
- Don’t use a natural gas or propane range to heat your home.
- Make sure your electric stove tops and/or ovens are off. When the power is restored, the burners may begin heating up and could be a hazard.
- Never use a grill or stove intended for use outdoors in your home.
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. Most food will last
24 hours if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.
State law requires that if the traffic lights or controls are out of service or malfunctioning when you approach an intersection, you must come to a stop as you would for a stop sign. You must then proceed according to the rules of right of way, unless you are directed to proceed by a traffic officer.
After Your Power Is Restored
If your basement or home was flooded, have an electrician check your home and have a plumbing and heating contractor check natural gas appliances before contacting RG&E to have services turned on.
Turn on appliances and sensitive electronic equipment one at a time to avoid overloading your circuits.
Replenish emergency supplies used during the storm.