LIPA and National Grid Continue to Monitor Tropical Storm Hanna
Recovery and Restoration Plans are in Place
Uniondale, NY-September 4, 2008- With Tropical Storm Hanna threatening
the east coast and possibly approaching the Long Island region as a tropical
storm, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and National Grid have initiated
their major storm anticipation procedures.
"This is an intense storm that we have been monitoring closely,” said LIPA
President and CEO Kevin S. Law. "LIPA conducts and participates in numerous
drills during the year to prepare for this type of scenario and we are taking
the steps necessary to begin restoration efforts in a safe and timely manner."
“Over the years LIPA and National Grid have developed a strong team to
respond to storms. Our employees are prepared to respond quickly to any outages
that could result from Tropical Storm Hanna,” said National Grid senior vice
president for electricity distribution on Long Island John Bruckner. “Our
employees have been trained in emergency preparedness and our crews are ready to
respond wherever needed.”
Storm Restoration Plans
As Tropical Storm Hanna continues to move up the east coast and closer to our
region, storm response and restoration efforts will intensify.
LIPA and National Grid are currently implementing the following procedures in
preparation for Hanna.
- Closely monitoring the storm's progress on an around-the-clock basis.
- Preparing all restoration equipment and inventories.
- Electric system and gas system personnel are being alerted to the
potential need for extended work hours.
- Private electric and tree removal contractors are being put on notice
for availability through the weekend and perhaps longer.
- Call Center personnel are being alerted and schedules are being arranged
for extended coverage.
- Coordinating efforts with state, New York City, county and local
emergency management organizations are ongoing.
- Notifications will be made to special needs and critical care customers
to make special arrangements to address their needs should the storm cause
extensive damage to Long Island’s electric system.
As the projected route for this storm becomes more defined over the next 24
to 48 hours, LIPA and National Grid will continue to take additional steps
regarding storm anticipation preparation and restoration planning.
Steps Customers Can Take
As the storm approaches, customers should take the following steps to prepare
for the arrival of a major storm.
- Never touch or go near fallen wires, even if you think they are safe.
Parents can use this opportunity to remind children that wires are
dangerous. If you are in a vehicle that comes in contact with a downed wire,
stay in your vehicle until help arrives.
- Make sure you have a working, battery-powered radio or TV and a good
supply of fresh replacement batteries. Have flashlights available for all
family members.
- If an electric pump supplies your water, fill spare food-grade
containers with water for cooking and washing in anticipation of a possible
power interruption.
- Make sure all motor driven equipment, such as garage door openers, can
be operated manually.
- When using a portable generator, make sure all LIPA-powered equipment is
disconnected. This will avoid severe hazards when reconnecting the power to
your home or business.
- Have a first aid kit at home and check its contents to make sure they
are complete and up to date. If you have family members with special medical
needs, such as insulin or other prescription drugs, check to make sure you
have an adequate supply.
- Do not use charcoal to cook indoors: deadly carbon monoxide gas can
accumulate in your home.
- If you have an elderly neighbor, be a Good Samaritan and check on his or
her status. Even a quick telephone call during a storm can provide much
appreciated assurance that help is nearby if needed.
For more detailed information regarding Tropical Storm Hanna and the steps
customers should take to prepare for the possibility that the storm could hit
Long Island, LIPA’s electric service customers should go to www.lipower.org. To
report an outage or a downed electrical wire, please call us at 1-800-490-0075. |
