Ice Storm Due,

NYSEG Warns

NYSEG is preparing for a wintry mix of rain, ice and some snow associated with incoming storms expected to hit Otsego County and other parts of its service areas tonight through Monday.  As a result of the storm, customers may experience service disruptions.

In addition to Oneonta, the company expects impacts ranging from Liberty in the south,through the Capital Region, and north to Plattsburgh.

Current forecasts call for icy rain to begin early this evening in the east with wet snow at times and winds of 25-30 mph.  Rain and some wintry mix are forecast in the western part of the state for the duration. Ice accumulations are expected for the affected regions in the east of between 0.2 and 0.5 inches. Ice and snow associated with the storm have the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment.

The companies urge customers to monitor forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions. The companies’ storm readiness teams have been monitoring weather forecasts, planning, readying crews and equipment and mobilizing employees for storm duty. There are an additional 200 contract line personnel as well as an extra 100 company personnel who will be packed and standing by across the rest of the service territory ready to assist local crews restore service should outages occur. The companies are also coordinating preparations with state and local emergency management authorities and have crews from the US and Canada to assist with restoration efforts.

Here are some tips for NYSEG customers, in addition to following advisories on Facebook and Twitter:

Before a storm strikes:

• Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or e-mail as the company updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here .
• Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
• Make sure that smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are fully charged.
• Fill your car’s fuel tank.

Stay Away From Downed Wires:

• Stay at least 30 feet from a downed power line.
• If a downed wire comes in contact with your vehicle, stay inside and wait for help. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, jump clear of the vehicle to avoid any contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and hop with feet together or shuffle away; don’t run or stride.
• NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.

During a Power Interruption

• Contact neighbors to see if their power is off. A loss of power may be the result of a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.
• To report a power interruption, contact NYSEG at 1.800.572.1131
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.

Power Restoration Priorities:

The companies’ first priorities are to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. NYSEG customers are asked to call 1.800.572.1131to report downed wires. Once this vital public safety work is complete, the company will:

• Assess the damage to the electricity delivery system.
• Develop a detailed restoration plan.
• Make repairs as quickly as possible.

For additional information, including storm preparation tips, storm safety information, generator safety information, restoration priorities and emergency resources, visit Outage Central at NYSEG.com and on the company’s social media pages:

• Facebook: @NYSEandG
• Twitter: @NYSEandG