Customers of Unitil Corporation, (www.unitil.com), a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers in New England, are urged to prepare for the possibility of power outages associated with a nor’easter currently traveling up east coast. Based on today’s forecast, a mix of rain and snow with high winds are possible during the overnight hours tonight and into tomorrow.
Unitil has been closely monitoring the forecast and plans to elevate staffing levels during the overnight hours in response to the oncoming storm. Unitil has secured additional third party contractors as part of its preparations and is also in contact with other utilities in the region to check on the availability of additional contractors as they are redistributed from regions completing their restoration effort from Hurricane Sandy.
“Unitil electric crews which had been assisting with restoration in Connecticut are on their way back home to assure we have a full complement on hand for this event,” Unitil media relations manager Alec O’Meara said. “We do not plan to open our system or regional emergency operation centers at this time, but we will be prepared to escalate our response should conditions warrant.”
We recommend our customers remain similarly prepared by checking and making an inventory of the following items:
- Flashlights and fresh batteries
- A battery-operated radio and clock
- Bottled water, canned foods and a manual can opener
- A list of important phone numbers and a car charger for cell phones if applicable
- A first aid kit.
Customers experiencing outages should call the following toll-free numbers:
- For the NH Seacoast Area: 1-800-582-7276
- For the NH Capital Area: 1-800-852-3339
- For Massachusetts: 1-888-301-7700
You can also report outages online here.
In the event of downed wires, assume all cables and wires that have fallen or dangling are energized and stay away. Be sure to avoid wet ground or puddles near a downed lined because water conducts electricity. In addition, keep away from all flooded and debris laden areas because they may be hiding downed lines and avoid anything metal nearby which could potentially conduct electricity. Stay in a safe place and avoid driving in damaged areas so you don’t interfere with rescue and restoration efforts.
