Storm Preparation

>> NYSEG urges customers to stay away from downed power lines – even lines that appear dead can be deadly. NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.
 
>> Emergency generators can be dangerous. Carefully read, understand and follow manufacturer’s instructions when operating an emergency generator. Never run emergency generators indoors; operate them only outdoors in well-ventilated areas and away from windows and doors.
 
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Company Urges Customers to Be Prepared 

Heavy, wet snow can cause considerable damage to trees, and falling limbs and trees are a leading cause of power interruptions.

>> For electricity emergencies and to report power interruptions, NYSEG customers should call1.800.572.1131.

           >>For natural gas emergencies and to report suspected natural gas odors, NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1121.

Here are some additional tips:

Before a storm strikes

-          Anyone who uses life-sustaining equipment that operates on electricity should contact NYSEG (1.800.572.1111) right away. We may enroll customers in one of our critical customer programs or provide 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.

 -          Contact NYSEG (1.800.572.1131) to report a power interruption. Our telephone system lets callers report the problem, helps our crews respond quickly and efficiently, and provides 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.

 -          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 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 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.