Uniondale, NY - January 21, 2016 - PSEG Long Island is closely monitoring the impending winter storm, forecasted to bring heavy snow and high winds across the entire service territory Saturday morning into Sunday. In preparation for the approaching storm system, 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.
“We are monitoring the forecast closely and our emergency preparedness plans are activated,” said John O’Connell, vice president of Transmission & Distribution at PSEG Long Island. “While snow and wind normally don’t pose a serious problem to the electric system, icing on lines and trees can increase the possibility of downed wires and power outages. While the forecasted conditions may make it difficult for our crews to get around, our customers should be comforted knowing our crews stand at the ready to begin restoring service, in the event of any outages, as safely and quickly as conditions allow.”
PSEG Long Island will have additional personnel on hand to deal with any weather-related outages. Contractors, including tree crews, will be available to assist the utility’s own skilled workforce if necessary.
BE PREPARED AND STAY IN TOUCH
- Save PSEG Long Island’s Electric Service number: 1-800-490-0075
- Familiarize yourself with PSEG Long Island’s mobile-friendly website, online Outage Center and Outage Map here - for the most up-to-date information customers might need when the storm hits
- Sign up now for MyAlerts, PSEG Long Island’s text message service. Report a power outage by text and receive status updates by text and/or email. Since this requires an account number for a one-time registration, it’s best to do it beforehand. To register, text REG to PSEGLI (773454) or visit the My Account section of the website
- Like PSEG Long Island on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@PSEGLI) for updates before, during and after the storm. Remember, though, outages cannot be reported through social media
- Charge all mobile phones, tablets and other handheld devices in advance of the storm
- Make sure everyone in the family is prepared and knows what to do if there is an emergency. Visit online to learn about the PSEG and Sesame Street App “Let’s Get Ready: Planning Together for Emergencies”
- Watch PSEG Long Island’s YouTube videos for tips on how to prepare your family and how power is restored after a storm.
Additionally, PSEG Long Island also recommends customers have an emergency kit that includes:
- A battery powered radio
- A back-up battery pack to charge cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices
- 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
- Cash on hand. Banks may be closed or inaccessible after a storm.
At PSEG Long Island, employee and customer safety is first and foremost. Remember, safety is always the only choice.
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 approximately $11 billion.