National Grid prepares for incoming winter weather, gives safety tips

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- National Grid is prepared for the incoming winter weather, expected to hit Rhode Island and Massachusetts Sunday night into Monday afternoon.

The company is prepared to deal with power outages as well as icing.

Customers can track outages at http://www.nationalgridus.com/outage-central.

National Grid is offering the following safety tips to the public:

• 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 especially good 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 1-800-322-3223.
•  Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during
  an outage period.
•  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.
•  Reminder: It’s not safe to work in an elevated bucket during periods of increased wind
  gusts. Our line workers begin restoration work only when conditions are deemed safe.
  •  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 – After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call the
    National Grid 24-hour gas emergency numbers:
  • New England: 1-800-640-1595
  • Stay Out – Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe.