PSEG prepares for storm

UPDATE: 7:05 P.M.

An outage affecting less than 5 people has been reported in Cedarhurst. Power should be restored at 12 a.m.

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Once again, a winter storm is descending on the area. PSEG Long Island reminds its customers to keep safe in case of outages.

"While we are not expecting to see this storm cause extensive outages, we take all storms seriously and are preparing to handle any outages that may occur as quickly and as safely as possible," said John O’Connell, vice president of Transmission & Distribution at PSEG Long Island.

To get ready for the upcoming weather, PSEG Long Island is performing system checks on critical transmission and distribution equipment and performing logistics checks to ensure the availability of critical materials, fuel and other supplies.

PSEG Long Island will have personnel on hand to deal with any weather-related outages. Contractors, including tree crews, will be available to assist the utility’s own skilled workforce if necessary.

While snow usually isn’t an issue for utilities, the possibility of sleet and ice can increase the likelihood of downed wires and resulting power outages. Cars striking utility poles can also cause wires to come down.

IF YOU LOSE POWER

First check your neighborhood. If you are the only one without power, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. If that’s not the problem, look outside at the wire between your house and the utility pole. If it is down, report it immediately to PSEG Long Island.

IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY

· To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSEG Long Island’s Customer Service line at 1-800-490-0075 or report online at https://www.psegliny.com/page.cfm/CustomerService/ReportOutage

· Once registered, report power outages by texting “OUT” to PSEGLI (773454).

· Check for updates on the outage map at https://www.psegliny.com/c.cfm/Outage .

· Do not report outages through our social media pages.

DOWNED POWER LINES

Downed wires may appear dead but should always be considered “live.” STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Do not approach or drive over a downed line. If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay in the vehicle until help arrives. Additionally, parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where their children might play. To report a downed wire, call 1-800-490-0075 and tell PSEG Long Island the nearest cross street.