The Peru Gazette

NYSEG and RG&E emergency planners are closely monitoring weather forecasts and preparing for the possible effects of Hurricane Sandy. Depending on the exact track of the storm, portions of the NYSEG and RG&E service areas could experience considerable wind and significant rainfall early next week. NYSEG and RG&E are concerned with the potential impact of falling limbs and trees on power lines and also with possible flooding that could affect both electricity and natural gas facilities.

NYSEG and RG&E front line and support personnel across the state are on heightened alert, the companies’ customer relations centers are prepared and materials are on hand to repair any damage to the companies’ energy delivery systems.

NYSEG and RG&E offer customers the following storm tips:

Before a storm strikes:

–     Anyone who uses life-sustaining equipment that operates on electricity should contact their       utility right away (NYSEG: 1.800.572.1111; RG&E: 1.800.743.2110) right away. Customers           may be enrolled in a critical customer program or provided specific advice on how to prepare for power interruptions.

–        Keep flashlights, a battery-powered radio or TV 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.

–        Make sure cell phone batteries are fully charged.

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 1.800.572.1131; RG&E at 1.800.743.1701. Our telephone systems let callers report the problem, help our crews respond quickly and efficiently, and provide customers with power interruption updates. Because many people may be trying to reach us during a power interruption, phone lines may be busy. Anyone who has access to a working computer during a power interruption can also report the interruption online at nyseg.com or rge.com.

–        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, audio equipment) to prevent overloading and possible damage when power is restored. Turning off this equipment may mean unplugging it, turning off a circuit breaker or removing a fuse for the circuit that provides power to this equipment. Leave one light switch “on” to know when power has been restored.

–        Don’t use a natural gas or propane range to heat your home.

–        Never use outdoor grills or stoves inside.

–        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.

After your power is restored:

–        If a basement or home was flooded, customers should have an electrician check the home and have a plumbing and heating contractor check natural gas appliances before contacting NYSEG or RG&E to have services turned on.

–        Turn on appliances and sensitive electronic equipment one at a time to avoid overloading circuits.

–        Replenish emergency supplies used during the storm.