Uniondale, NY - February 12th, 2014 - PSEG Long Island is preparing for another winter weather event that is expected to bring a mix of snow and rain early tomorrow morning through Friday, with potential wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour, according to current weather forecasts.

PSEG Long Island will have all available line crews, tree trimmers, and support personnel to address any outages. Our crews will perform damage assessment and restoration efforts around the clock.

We have performed system checks on critical transmission & distribution equipment; arranged for contractors, including tree crews, to assist the utility’s own skilled workforce if necessary; and performed logistics checks – ensuring availability of critical materials, fuel and other supplies. In addition, we have coordinated with county and municipal emergency management personnel to inform them of the preparation work, what to expect and how the utility will respond.

While snow usually isn’t an issue for utilities, the possibility of sleet, ice and strong wind gusts can increase the likelihood of downed wires. Vehicles striking utility poles can also cause wires to come down.

GENERAL TIPS
Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It’s wise to have an emergency kit on hand year round. Here are some things to include:

• A battery powered radio
• A corded telephone (Cordless phones will not work if the power is out)Flashlights and extra fresh batteriesA 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
• A list of emergency phone numbers, including PSEG Long Island’s emergency service / outage hotline: 1-800-490-0075. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires.

DOWNED POWER LINES
Accumulation of ice and heavy snow may weigh down power lines and as a result cause power lines to come down. Downed wires may appear dead but should always be considered “live.” STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with. Parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where their children might play and to remind the children to stay far away from any wires. If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay in the vehicle until help arrives. To report a downed wire, call 1-800-490-0075 and tell PSEG Long Island the nearest cross street.

IF YOU LOSE POWER
First check your neighborhood. If you are the only one without power, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. If that’s not the problem, look outside at the wire between your house and the utility pole. If it is down, report it immediately to PSEG Long Island.

Customers with a handheld device can also report power outages by texting “OUT” to PSEGLI (773454). You will receive confirmation that your outage has been submitted and will begin receiving ongoing updates as the status of your outage changes. This requires a one-time registration, to register, text REG to PSEGLI (773454) or visit My Account. General outage activity throughout our service territory is also available online and on our mobile website at www.psegliny.com. Updates are posted on www.psegliny.com/stormcenter during severe weather.

PSEG Long Island’s Twitter page is regularly updated to keep the public informed about our restoration progress and now has more than 1,400 followers.

At PSEG Long Island, employee and customer safety is first and foremost. Remember, safety is always the only choice.