Good preparation keeps everyone safe, and provides more comfort during a power outage.
We’re always thinking, planning and training for New England storms and the damage they can cause. But no matter how much we plan, power outages can and will happen. And the best way to keep your family and home safe is to be as ready as you can before a storm hits.
Pre-Storm Safety Tips
Take a look at all the ways you can prepare for a storm — from staying warm to keeping your devices charged ahead of a power outage.
- Charge mobile phones, battery chargers, tablets and other devices and consider limiting your use.
- If you rely on a well pump for drinking water, it may not work if power goes out. Plan ahead and store water ahead of time.
- Back up your data, then unplug your computer.
- Learn how to release your garage doors. Automatic doors won’t work during a power outage.
Print this page and keep it with your emergency supplies.
Emergency generators can be helpful tools by providing electricity during a power outage. It is important, however, to ensure proper use and practice safety when setting up a generator. The back-up generator should be installed to receive power from either your utility- or a self-powered (usually gas-powered) generator, but never both at the same time.
- Gas-powered generators should be located outdoors and have appropriate venting. But outdoors is not enough. Keep them away to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
- Consult an electrician or generator dealer to help select the size and type of generator you need.
- Have your utility-powered generator installed by a licensed electrician and reviewed by a local municipal wiring inspector.
- Before a storm, check the operation, fuel supply, filters and coolant levels of your generators and battery systems — and test them under full-load conditions.
Carbon monoxide is a deadly, silent, odorless gas. And it is emitted by gas-powered devices. Make sure you have battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors in your home and be alert to the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Symptoms include:
- Sudden nausea
- Cherry, red lips
- Headaches
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the area immediately to get fresh air.
If you plan to use an emergency generator that connects to your permanent wiring system, call our Customer Service team at 1-888-301-7700. A double-throw transfer switch is required for generators. This switch protects your equipment and prevents feedback on our lines, which could seriously injure our workers. Check with your municipality regarding permitting and inspection when installing a generator.
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More Safety Tips
We are always thinking about storms
A key part of our efforts is to prevent power outages from happening in the first place. We maintain thousands of miles of power lines and utility poles throughout our service territories. Consequently, our crews are in the communities we serve constantly. They check and maintain our distribution systems to make sure everything is in working order.
To ensure a reliable power supply, we research the latest technology and upgrade our equipment regularly. In addition, our distribution system has safeguards, such as backup systems which help us reroute power in the event that one system fails.
Proactive tree care helps keep the power on
A major part of ensuring a reliable power supply is keeping trees and vegetation away from power lines. Branches rubbing against power lines, or storms bringing down limbs and trees cause the majority of power outages.
With so many miles of power lines, our tree pruning program runs continuously. Careful cutting of selected limbs helps prevent storm trouble. Our tree pruning practices have been thoroughly reviewed to make sure we fully meet industry standards throughout our service territory.
