National Grid Prepared for Thanksgiving Week Storm
WALTHAM, Mass. — National Grid is preparing for storm activity that is expected to impact Massachusetts Tuesday evening through Wednesday, bringing hazardous wind gusts and a mix
of rain and snow into the region.
Rain, snow and gusting winds have the potential to bring down trees and limbs and knock down power wires, causing power outages in impacted locations. Currently, the forecast is predicting hazardous wind gusts of up to 55 mph in some coastal areas, with a coating of a few inches of snow in areas of higher elevation in Western and Central Massachusetts before it changes to rain. The storm is projected to depart by late Wednesday, and calmer weather is expected for Thanksgiving.
"National Grid is closely monitoring the weather forecasts, and we have crews and personnel in place across Massachusetts ready to respond to any impacts this storm may bring during this holiday week," said Tim Moore, Vice President of Electric Operations for New England.
National Grid is preparing for this storm by securing additional field-based crews and personnel as part of the company's emergency response operations and preparedness activities. This includes overhead line, forestry, contractors, underground, damage assessment, wires down, transmission, and substation workers. As forecasts evolve, the company will continue to assess resources needs.
Crews will begin the restoration process when it is deemed safe to conduct work. For example, it is not safe to work in an elevated bucket during periods of increased wind gusts.
The company has been preparing for the storm and continues monitoring the weather and communicating with local officials, first responders, and life support customers.
The company offers the following tips and reminders:
Customers Should Stay Connected:
- Report power outages at www.nationalgridus.com or call 1-800-465-1212.
- Use your mobile device to track outage information and storm-related safety tips through National Grid's mobile site, accessible at www.ngrid.com/mobile.
- Like National Grid on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram; latest storm and restoration updates will be posted.
- Track outages and estimated restoration times at www.nationalgridus.com/outage-central
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To stay connected during storms and outages, text to 64743 using any of the below commands.
- REG to sign up for text alerts
- OUT to report an outage
- SUM followed by your town, county, or state to get a summary of outages in your area
- HELP for the complete list of commands
Stay Safe:
- Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency response organization.
- Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it's an excellent idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food.
- People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a life support customer, call the company's Customer Service Center at 1-800-233-5325.
- Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and others who may need assistance during an outage.
Electric Safety:
- If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to operate it outdoors.
- Before operating generators, disconnect from National Grid's system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize the
- safety of line crews and the public.
- If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.
Gas Safety
If you suspect a natural gas leak:
- Get Out - All occupants should leave the house immediately. Do not use the telephone or light switches for any reason.
- Call Us – After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call the National
- Grid 24-hour gas emergency number for Massachusetts: 1-800-233-5325
- Stay Out - Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe.
