LIPA MONITORS HURRICANE EARL

(Uniondale, NY) - With Hurricane Earl threatening the east coast and the Long Island region, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), along with National Grid, has initiated their hurricane anticipation procedures.

We urge LIPA customers to be prepared. Please access http://www.lipower.org/stormcenter/safety.html for storm safety and preparedness tips.

"This is an intense storm that could significantly impact parts of Long Island. We will continue to monitor its path progress 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 prepare restoration efforts in a safe and timely manner."

Storm Anticipation Plans:
As Hurricane Earl 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 Hurricane Earl:

Closely monitoring the storm's progress on an around-the-clock basis.
Preparing all restoration equipment and inventories.
Coordinating efforts with state, New York City, county and local emergency management organizations will be ongoing.
Electric system and gas system personnel are being alerted to the potential need for extended work hours and vacation rosters are being checked.
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.
Logistics are being confirmed for housing electric restoration crews from outside the area at hotels on Long Island, should this be necessary.
Accommodations are being made for special needs and critical care customers.

As the projected route for Hurricane Earl 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 either a hurricane or tropical 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.
Should an electric power interruption occur, all sensitive equipment, such as computers and TV's should be disconnected until service is restored.

For more detailed information regarding Hurricane Earl 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 http://www.lipower.org/stormcenter/safety.html

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric provider, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. LIPA is the 2nd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of electric revenues, 3rd largest in terms of customers served and the 7th largest in terms of electricity delivered. In 2010, LIPA outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York State for frequency of service interruptions, and ranked second for duration of service interruptions. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island generating assets. More information about LIPA can be found online at: http://www.lipower.org.

Media Contact Information
Mark Gross
Phone - (516) 719-9892
Media Pager - (516) 229-7248
media.relations@lipower.org

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