BERLIN, Connecticut – June 16, 2009 – With the official start of summer just days away, so too, is the summer storm season. The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) offers the following simple tips to help customers prepare for whatever weather comes their way.
Before a storm:
Prepare a "storm kit" and keep it handy. It should include:
- Flashlights with spare batteries
- A battery-operated radio or TV
- First-aid kit
- Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated foods
- A manual can opener
- Bottled water
- Baby supplies (if applicable)
- Important phone numbers
During a storm:
Keep your battery-operated radio or TV tuned to local broadcast stations for the latest weather conditions. As CL&P crews patrol for damage, you can help identify emergency situations such as downed wires by calling us at (800) 286-2000 or at (860) 947-2000 in the Hartford and Meriden calling areas. If you lose power, our automated phone system rapidly processes your report and also provides restoration information as soon as it’s available. Assume any downed, hanging or burning power lines are “live” and stay away from them. If a power line falls on your vehicle while you are inside, stay there. Don’t touch anything outside the vehicle and wait for emergency crews.
After a storm:
Safety is CL&P’s first priority. Before crews respond to individual outages, they work to make an area safe by de-energizing any downed wires and removing all potential hazards such as snapped poles. At the same time, they work to ensure electricity is maintained to hospitals, police stations and other vital public services. Once public safety is protected, CL&P can begin to restore power. You can protect your own safety, as well. Following a storm, plug appliances in one at a time. If the lighting seems too bright, dim or is flickering, turn off your circuit breaker and contact us for assistance.
Customers with life-sustaining medical equipment:
CL&P maintains a list of customers who depend on electrically-powered, life-sustaining medical equipment in their homes, such as chest respirators and kidney machines. If you, a member of your household, or a tenant are dependent on such medical equipment, please call us at (800) 286-2000 or (860) 947-2000 in the Hartford and Meriden calling areas.
CL&P also reminds customers with life-sustaining equipment to develop a backup plan to cope with storm-related outages. That plan should include:
- An alternate source of electric power such as a battery backup system, an uninterruptible power supply or a properly-installed generator for the life support equipment
- Emergency telephone numbers (doctor, fire, police and ambulance)
- A procedure to vacate your home if there is a prolonged outage
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The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) has been part of everyday life in Connecticut for more than 100 years, providing safe and reliable electric service to homes, neighborhoods and businesses. With 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns, CL&P is an active member in the communities it serves, offering programs in energy conservation, economic development and environmental stewardship. CL&P is part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE: NU). For more information, please visit www.cl-p.com.