Uniondale, NY - September 30, 2015 - PSEG Long Island is closely monitoring the rain expected Thursday into Friday and the potential weather associated with Hurricane Joaquin. Torrential rain and high winds associated with Joaquin are possible over the weekend and into next week. The wind gusts and heavy rain associated with storms can be dangerous and cause power outages.
To get ready for the upcoming weather, 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 have activated our storm preparedness plans so we can respond quickly to the approaching weather,” said John O’Connell, vice president of Transmission & Distribution at PSEG Long Island.
PSEG Long Island will have 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.
At PSEG Long Island, employee and customer safety is first and foremost. Remember, safety is always the only choice.
Prepare for a storm:
- Ensure you have a battery-powered radio and fresh batteries.
- Check your supply of flashlights, blankets, nonperishable food and bottled water.
- Create an emergency communications plan
- Develop an evacuation plan
- Charge your cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices.
- Make sure to have cash available. Banks may be closed or inaccessible after a storm.
- Fill up your car’s fuel tank.
- Bring in unsecured objects and furniture from patios and balconies.
- Compile a list of emergency phone numbers, including PSEG Long Island’s Electric Service line 1-800-490-0075.
- Discuss storm and lightning safety with your family.
During a storm:
- Listen to news or radio for emergency updates.
- If you can hear thunder, go indoors and stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap.
- Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.
- Keep away from windows.
- Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.
- If driving, safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends.
- Stay away from downed electrical wires.
- All downed wires should be considered dangerous. To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSEG Long Island’s Electric Service line at 1-800-490-0075.
Stay in touch and stay informed:
PSEG Long Island offers several ways for customers to stay in touch during an emergency:
- To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSEG Long Island’s Customer Service line at 1-800-490-0075 or report online.
- Once registered, report power outages by texting “OUT” to PSEGLI (773454).
- Check for updates using our outage map.
- Follow our Facebook and Twitter pages for restoration progress. Do not report outages through our social media pages.
- Make sure everyone in the family is prepared and knows what to do if there is an emergency. Please visit online to learn about the PSEG and Sesame Street App “Let’s Get Ready: Planning Together for Emergencies”.
- Watch our YouTube videos here for tips on how to prepare your family and how power is restored after a storm.
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.