BINGHAMTON – NYSEG is preparing for the potential of winds and rain associated with incoming Tropical Storm Fay on Friday afternoon into the evening. As a result, customers may experience service disruptions. The Tropical Storm is expected to impact the Hudson Valley service area which includes Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties.
Current forecast calls for prolonged heavy rain into Saturday morning along with increased winds, gusts reaching between 25-30 mph, and potential for localized flooding. Tropical Storm Fay will exit the area by Noon on Saturday, but scattered thunderstorms are expected to follow its path. The company is urging customers to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions.
In anticipation of the weather event, NYSEG’s storm readiness teams have been monitoring forecast, planning, readying and staging crews and equipment. Additional personnel are en route from across the state to assist with this effort and additional contractor line and tree resources are on-site and ready to respond should outages occur.
Recognizing many residents are currently sheltered at home, for everyone’s safety the company asks customers to observe a six-foot social distance if they must be near our workers and always remain outside the work zone. Allowing our crews to remain uninterrupted and focused on our work enables workers to determine damage and make repairs more quickly.
The company reminds customers of the following safety tips stay safe if power outages do occur.
Before a storm strikes:
- You can use our new mobile app to report and check the status of outages. To download the application, customers should search “AVANGRID” in the Apple or Android app stores and select “NYSEG.” The application is free to download.
- Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or e-mail as the company updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for NYSEG.
- Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
- Make sure that smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are fully charged.
- Fill your car’s fuel tank.
Stay Away From Downed Wires:
- Stay at least 30 feet from a downed power line.
- If a downed wire comes in contact with your vehicle, stay inside and wait for help. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, jump clear of the vehicle to avoid any contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and hop with feet together or shuffle away; don’t run or stride.
- NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.
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.
- 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.
Power Restoration Priorities:
The companies’ first priorities are to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. NYSEG customers are asked to call 1.800.572.1131 to report downed wires. Once this vital public safety work is complete, the company will:
- Assess the damage to the electricity delivery system.
- Develop a detailed restoration plan.
- Make repairs as quickly as possible.
