UIL Offers Storm Safety Tips, Information

On Monday, July 18, the UIL Holdings Corporation released this information.

The UIL Holdings Corporation and its operating companies are encouraging customers to take extra precautions during the severe weather predicted for later today. The National Weather Service is predicting scattered thunderstorms into the evening hours that may be severe; producing large hail and strong winds.

UIL’s electric utility, The United Illuminating Company (UI), is currently monitoring the weather and will continue to monitor it throughout the day. UI is also executing its plans for responding to outages expected as a result of the severe weather.

Management is meeting to evaluate crew and equipment resource availability, initiate coordination efforts with local and state emergency management centers and verify extra staff to support the restoration activities.

UIL and its operating companies have prepared some tips to help keep you and your families safe and prepared should power outages occur:

Report problems:

Always assume downed power lines are live and dangerous, and be mindful of natural gas odors. If you see a downed power line, need to report an electrical power outage, or smell natural gas, please call your utility toll-free with the location and any specifics.

The United Illuminating Company: 1-800-7-CALL-UI (1-800-722-5584)
Southern Connecticut Gas Company: 1-800-513-8898
Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation: at 1-866-924-5325
Berkshire Gas Corporation: 1-800-292-5012

Generators:

If you have a home generator it must be connected to your home’s wiring through a special transfer switch to ensure that the house wires are isolated from the utility wires.

This will ensure that your home and equipment are safely operated.

Medical equipment:

If you or someone in your home uses electronic life-support or medical-monitoring equipment, you should have a back-up plan in case you lose power in a storm. UI also has a program to register “life support” customers. Call 1-800-7-CALL-UI (1-800-722-
5584) to find out more.

Other household equipment:

Make sure you have a household phone that doesn’t need to be plugged in to an electrical outlet to work. Most cordless telephones don’t work when the power is off. Also, if you have an electric garage door, be sure you know how to operate it manually.

Perform a Storm Inventory:

Take an inventory of your home and stock up on any supplies you might need.

Be sure to have flashlights, candles, matches, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio or TV, and a battery-operated clock. Maintain a supply of extra batteries of various sizes.

Fill containers with drinking water and keep a supply of canned or dried food.

Check the expiration dates on canned foods and make sure you have a manual can opener.
Charge your mobile phone so you can report outages or emergencies.

Store key contacts in your phone’s memory, and keep a paper copy in case your batteries run out.

Storm Cleanup:

Take note of any overhead lines before cleaning gutters or performing other outdoor work at home.

When carrying ladders and long-handled tools, check your path to make sure you won’t cross overhead lines.

Always keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from overhead lines, including lines from the pole to your home.

Assume that all downed overhead lines are energized, even if you’ve lost power, unless your utility informs you otherwise.

Use only non-conductive ladders when working near any overhead power lines.

Natural gas customers should keep sidewall vents clear of debris, leaves and vegetation.

Lightning Safety:*

If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. Take shelter immediately. If possible, remain indoors. Keep windows and doors shut, and stay away from them.

Do not use corded phones, computers or other equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity. Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.

If you are outdoors, take shelter in your car if possible. Keep the windows and doors closed.

* Source: National Weather Service: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

If you are caught outdoors, stay away from water. If you are at the top of an elevated area, such as a hilltop, get off. Never take shelter under a tree, or near an object that conducts electricity (fences, power lines, windmills, etc.).

If you are caught in the open, find a ditch or low ground and curl into a ball. Do not lie flat on the ground.

If someone is struck by lighting, call 911. The victim does not carry a charge, so you may immediately provide medical attention including CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or AED (automated external defibrillator). Lightning strike victims have a very good chance of recovery if treated quickly.

More storm-related information can be found on The United Illuminating Company’s website, www.uinet.com under Storm Center.