Are You Ready?
Storm Preparation & Tips
A severe storm can cause power outages, and the best time to prepare is before a storm strikes. It takes at least two things to get through the effects of a severe storm: preparation and patience. Not only can they make an uncomfortable situation tolerable, sometimes they may actually save your life.
If you lose power, don’t lose heart. We understand how inconvenient it is to be without power. Many of us and our families may be without power, too. We’re working hard to restore your power as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
Customers with life-support equipment need a backup plan for loss of electricity
If you or someone in your household relies on electrically operated life-support equipment, you should prepare a backup plan in case of a power outage. For details on what your plan should be and other valuable information read shutoff protection. Note: If you have already received a letter from us stating we would notify you in the event of an outage, you do not need to contact us again unless you have moved since last notifying us of your life-support equipment. If you have any questions, call 1-800-286-2000 (947-2000 in Hartford/Meriden).
Here are some suggestions to help you prepare and remain safe before and during the storm:
Keep your distance from any downed power line, and report it to the police or fire department, or call us at 800-286-2000 (860-947-2000 in Hartford/Meriden). Treat all wires — even those that are hanging or downed — as if they are "live" (energized). Don't drive over downed lines, and if a downed line is in or near water, keep your distance from the water, even a little puddle. And whether a power line is down or not, don't touch anything that might be in contact with it, such as a tree limb.
Be sure you know if they will be affected by a prolonged interruption of power. You may want to talk with your pharmacist. You may also want to keep a small cooler handy.
Do this a half day or so before the storm is scheduled to hit. Keep a blanket handy to throw over these appliances for added insulation, if need be. Be sure to return the settings to their normal position as soon as the crisis has passed.
Ice helps maintain cold temperatures in your freezer and refrigerator. Use plastic bags filled with ice (or water, if you have enough time to freeze it) in the freezer. Use block ice, if possible, in the refrigerator. And should the ice melt, you can drink the water.
This is vital if you depend on a water pump that might be disabled during a storm. Sanitize and fill spare containers with water for drinking. Fill your bathtub with water for use in the toilet. A bucket of water poured in the toilet bowl is all that's needed for flushing. If for any reason you don't have an adequate supply of water to save, and are unable to get enough from friends or neighbors, call your municipal officials (including town clerk, police or fire station) to ask about nearby water sources.
It is possible that your stove will be knocked out of operation, so you may wish to use your backyard grill for cooking. However, please beware! Do not bring the grill indoors. A grill without proper ventilation can be deadly. It is possible to use Sterno or a comparable fuel indoors to heat food.
Give yourself the greatest flexibility in meal preparation, and the greatest comfort once the sun goes down. Don't forget flashlights (one for each person in your family), batteries and a manual can opener.
Even a gas or oil furnace needs electricity to operate, so if you have a fireplace or wood stove as an alternative heat source be sure you have enough wood. A
portable electric generator can be a valuable backup source of power to operate your furnace and appliances. Just be sure you have it installed by a professional. If you have no alternative heat, find out where an emergency shelter will be, if it is needed. Call your local fire or police department or local
Red Cross chapter. In frigid weather, if your power is likely to be out for more than a few days, you may want to call your plumber and ask about draining your home's water pipes so they don't freeze and burst.
Voltage irregularities can occur for any number of reasons during or after a storm, especially if there has been damage on or near your home. The safest thing to do is to unplug any sensitive electrical devices (e.g., TV, DVD Player, stereo, microwave, computer, Ipod, answering machine, garage door opener). Planning ahead, you may wish to consider
surge suppressors. They can be purchased either for individual pieces of equipment, or for your entire house.
For example, be sure you know how to shut and open your garage door manually. And if you keep your cellar free from flooding by using an electric sump pump, be prepared to call your local fire department for help if you lose power for an extended period.
Be ready to stay informed with the storm's progress, as well as safety tips and clean-up operations. Don't forget fresh batteries.