LIPA urging Long Beach residents to report power outages, prepare for Irene

The Long Island Power Authority is urging customers to make final preparations to protect their families and secure their property in Long Beach, as a hurricane warning for Long Island remains in effect.

With the current track of Hurricane Irene, there is still a high potential for extensive damage and power outages, LIPA officials said. With tropical storm or hurricane conditions expected to begin later today -- continuing overnight into Sunday afternoon -- LIPA said it is fully prepared to begin restoration efforts as soon as it is safe to do so.

Staging areas across Long Island have been established with LIPA crews and additional workers brought in from both on and off Long Island.
Visit LIPA’s Hurricane Safety Page at http://www.lipower.org/stormcenter/hurricane.html for safety and preparation tips.

Those who lose power are advised to report it to LIPA by either calling 1-800-490-0075 or visiting its online Storm Center, http://www.lipower.org/stormcenter/
If you see any downed wire, assume it is a live electric wire – do not touch or go near it – and report it immediately to LIPA at 1-800-490-0075 or to the police.