Central Hudson is preparing for possible storm damage and potential power interruptions associated with strong winds that may accompany an approaching tropical weather system over the weekend. “We are readying our crews, vehicles, employees and contractors in the event severe weather associated with Hurricane Irene impacts our region this weekend, and the possibility of restoration activities during the following week,” said James P. Laurito, President of Central Hudson.

“The projected track of the storm carries some uncertainty, however we are preparing for the worst,” said Laurito. “As with all storms, we follow an emergency plan to address damage that may result due to weather, and are preparing for this approaching tropical system. We are also in communication with the National Weather Service and other forecasters, regional utilities through mutual aid organizations and state regulators in order to obtain advance information about the storm and coordinate our response as needed,” he said.

“Our customers, too, should be prepared for the possibility of severe weather and extended power interruptions,” said Laurito. Steps customers should take to prepare for storms include:

• Paying attention to weather advisories and storm warnings;
• Having a telephone that does not require an electric outlet to operate;
• Charging cell phones, or have a car cell phone charger;
• Keeping a flashlight and fresh batteries handy;
• Having a battery-powered radio to keep informed of restoration efforts;
• Stocking water and packaged or canned foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking. Be sure to have a non-electric can opener;
• Ensuring adequate supplies of prescription medications, cash and other necessities;
• Refueling vehicles and ensuring they are in good working condition;
• Know how to manually open automatic garage doors; and
• Having a plan to check on vulnerable neighbors or family members.

 “Knowing what to do in an emergency is just as important as preparing in advance,” said Laurito. If power is lost, customers should call Central Hudson’s PowerLine at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714 to report their power condition, and are encouraged to use the automated reporting system. Customers with access to a computer may also report their power condition via the utility’s website, www.CentralHudson.com, by using the StormCentral function. Information regarding service restoration estimates, as it becomes available, can be obtained by phone and on-line, and updates are posted on Facebook and Twitter. A mobile version of the utility’s website, including StormCentral, can be accessed by web enabled cell phones and mobile devices at http://mobile.CentralHudson.com. Free Central Hudson mobile applications for Android-based and Apple devices are also available by logging onto www.CentralHudson.com/mobileapp.
Customers should also keep safety in mind by:

• Keeping away from downed power lines;
• Avoiding the use of candles for illumination;
• Following the manufacturer’s safety instructions on the use of emergency generators, and operating the units outdoors; and
• Never using outdoor gas or charcoal grills indoors, as they pose a fire hazard and over time can give off deadly carbon monoxide gas. Use these appliances only outdoors with proper ventilation. Similarly, operate cars and motor vehicles outdoors only, and never in the garage.

     
“If you or someone in your household depends on an electrically operated life-sustaining device, make arrangements in advance for a back-up power supply or transportation to a facility with emergency power in the event of a service interruption caused by storms,” said Laurito. “When possible, Central Hudson will provide advance notification of impending, severe weather that may result in power outages to customers identified as using life support devices.” Customers with these requirements should contact Central Hudson ahead of time by calling (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714, or downloading an application available on Central Hudson’s Web site,in the ‘Payment Assistance and Special Help’ section, so that their account can be noted. This service is also available for tenants who require life support equipment and receive electricity service through the landlord’s account.

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