Weather in New England can go from mild to wild at a moment’s notice. Clear, pleasant skies can quickly give way to rain, wind and lightning that can cause damage and present a variety of safety hazards. With the Atlantic hurricane season officially starting June 1, UIL Holdings Corporation and its operating companies encourage customers to take extra precautions during storms to keep families safe and prepared should power outages occur.
Here are some tips:
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: 1-866-924-5325
- Berkshire Gas Company: 1-800-292-5012
Generators:
If you have a home generator, be sure it is installed by a licensed electrician. The generator 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.
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 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.
* 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 lightning, call 911. The victim does not carry a charge, so you may immediately provide medical attention including CPR (cardio-pulmonary 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.
About UIL Holdings Corporation:
Headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, UIL Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UIL) is a diversified energy delivery company serving a total of 690,000 electric and natural gas utility customers in 66 communities across two states, with combined total assets of over $4 billion.
UIL is the parent company of The United Illuminating Company (UI), Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation (CNG), The Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG), and The Berkshire Gas Company (BGC), each more than 100 years old. UI provides for the transmission and delivery of electricity and other energy related services for Connecticut's Greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas. SCG and CNG are natural gas distribution companies that serve customers in Connecticut, while Berkshire Gas serves natural gas customers in western Massachusetts. UIL employs more than 1,850 people in the New England region.
