Hurricane Irene: PSE&G's Tips for Storm Survival

The Public Service Electricity and Gas Company says customers using certain electrical devices need particular information in order to get through storms such as Irene.

One such category is people who need machines to stay alive. PSE&G spokesperson Karen Johnson said individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with the utility to receive priority attention in the event of an outage. To request the service, they must call PSE&G at 800-436-PSEG. Johnson adds that they should also inform area rescue squads and fire departments of their needs, in case of emergency. Even after registration, PSE&G said these customers should also have emergency back-up equipment on hand, since immediate restoration cannot be guaranteed.

Johnson also shared advice for people who use portable electric generators. First, she said PSE&G recommends that if you have a generator, read the manual that came with it. Before you use the device, make sure it is UL-approved, installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by your local electrical inspector. The generator also must have  a way to be disconnected physically from utility lines. Johnson reminded that people who improperly install, operate or maintain a generator bear  responsibility for any injury or damage suffered by themselves, their neighbors or utility workers.

There is advice as well for people who use refrigerators. Should you lose power, PSE&G recommends that first check your neighborhood. If the person next door has lights, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. If that’s not the problem, look outside at the wire between your house and the utility pole. If it is down, report it immediately to the gas and electric company by calling 800-436-PSEG.

Speaking of downed utility poles, if you encounter fallen poles or downed power lines, get away from them. Downed wires may appear dead, but Johnson said they should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with. Parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where their children might play and to remind kids to stay far away from any wires. And if a wire falls on a vehicle, according to the utility, passengers should stay in the vehicle until help arrives.

Of course, in a storm, anyone using electricity at all can lose power. Should that happen, PSE&G offers the following suggestions:

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food will stay frozen between36 and 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer (24 hours in a half-full freezer).
• Learn how to open your garage door without the electric opener.
• Remember, electric well and sump pumps will not operate.
• Unplug all motor-driven appliances like refrigerators and freezers and sensitive electronic equipment (televisions, microwaves and computers) to prevent a possible electrical overload when power is restored.
• Leave one light switch on to indicate when power is restored.

Should your basement fill with water, the utility has this advice for you.

• Be careful: Flooded basements can pose a genuine safety risk.
• If you lose electricity and your basement is flooded, call PSE&G at 800-436-7734 and call your local fire department to have the basement pumped.
• Stay away from the breakerbox if it's in a flooded basement. And don’t go into a flooded basement if energized wires are present.
• If water is rising to the height of any gas appliance, the gas supply to the appliance should be turned off. If you are unable to do so, contact PSE&G or your local police or fire department for assistance.
• To restore gas service to appliances, call PSE&G and have the appliances checked for safety and restored to proper operation.
• Call PSE&G immediately if you smell gas.

Johnson adds that given the unpredictability of storms, it is wise always to have an emergency kit on hand. The kit should include:

• A battery-powered radio
• A corded telephone (cordless phones will not work if power is out)
• Flashlights and extra fresh batteries
• A first-aid kit
• Bottled water and an adequate supply of non-perishable food
• A non-electric can opener
• Matches and candles with holders
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags
• A list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 800-436-PSEG.