BERLIN, Conn. – July 26, 2012 – Connecticut Light & Power’s (CL&P) emergency response planning is well under way in anticipation of tonight's strong storms. The storms, which are expected to bring powerful winds and heavy downpours to the state, have the potential to cause extensive damage throughout the region. All CL&P employees stand ready to assist in the restoration effort and the company has already begun reaching out to other utilities, including our sister companies in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, for additional utility crews.
"We want our customers to know that we’re closely monitoring weather forecasts and are prepared to respond quickly and safely in the event of widespread power outages,” said CL&P Senior Vice President of Emergency Preparedness Bill Quinlan. "Our town liaisons will be in direct communication with each community we serve throughout the storm to keep them updated on restoration efforts. We will also be coordinating closely with state and municipal officials to keep them informed."
CUSTOMERS URGED TO STAY SAFE
Customers are reminded to be prepared for the storm by preparing a storm kit and making arrangements to look out for their families, friends and neighbors.
A storm kit should include:
· Flashlights with spare batteries
· A battery-operated radio or TV
· First-aid kit and medications
· Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated foods
· A manual can opener
· Bottled water
· Baby or pet supplies (if needed)
· Important phone numbers
Customers dependent on electricity for critical medical needs are urged to make preparations now to switch to a backup source or move to an alternate location if necessary.
STAYING INFORMED ABOUT THE RESTORATION
For helpful tips and updates, follow CL&P on Twitter @CTLightandPower and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/ctlightandpower. If customers do lose power, we ask that they report the outage by calling CL&P at 800-286-2000. This system will also provide restoration estimates as soon as they’re available.
For information on shelters or other community support resources, customers should contact the Connecticut American Red Cross (www.ctredcross.org), 2-1-1 ( www.211ct.org ) or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (www.ready.gov).