Supplies to have in case of emergency
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Storm Preparedness Tips

At Central Hudson, we work hard to provide reliable electric service, and to restore that service to you when an outage occurs. However, storms and adverse weather can bring lightning, high winds, hail and ice that can damage electric facilities and cause a temporary loss of electric service.

Proper preparation, however, can reduce the impact an outage has on your household:

  • Pay attention to weather advisories and storm warnings.
  • Keep a flashlight and fresh batteries handy.
  • Have a battery-powered radio to keep informed of restoration efforts.
  • Double-check your supply of food, and stock your pantry with packaged or canned foods that require no refrigeration or cooking.
  • Avoid opening your refrigerator unnecessarily during outages, so food lasts longer.
  • Be sure you have a non-electric can opener.
  • If you have an electric water pump, always keep an emergency supply of bottled water on hand for drinking and washing.
  • If a major storm is forecast, fill your tub with water as an added reserve.

Remember, never use outdoor gas or charcoal grills indoors. They pose a fire hazard, and over time can give off deadly carbon monoxide gas. Use these appliances only outdoors with proper ventilation. Be sure you know how to open your garage door manually, if you usually rely on an electrically-operated, automatic, remote control door opener.

Does anyone in your home depend on electrically-operated life-support equipment? If so, contact us before there is an actual emergency so we can note this on your account and contact you when severe weather is anticipated.

What Do I Do If I Lose Power?

Report the outage online or call us on our automated phone system: 1-800-527-2714 and 845-452-2700. 

The following information would be helpful if you can get it safely: 

  • Are your neighbors also without power? 
  • Are power lines down between your house and the pole, or down between poles on your street? 
  • Do you see broken poles? 
  • Sparks from downed wires? 
  • Trees or limbs in contact with wires? 

Restoration information can automatically be accessed through the phone numbers above. Follow the simple prompts to hear a recorded message as to the time when our crews estimate service will be restored. If you do not have a touch-tone phone, a customer service representative can provide the information.

When calling us, please be patient if you cannot get through on your first try. We will answer your call as quickly as possible. Also, be aware that service restoration time estimates may not be available immediately following an outage, until our crews have assessed the damage and developed repair priorities. If restoration information is not available, you will be advised to call back later.

  • Leave one light on, so that you’ll know when service is restored, but turn off other appliances that you were using when the electricity went off.
  • If your service remains off after electricity has been restored to your neighborhood, check your circuit breakers or fuses.

"CHECK" a Local Radio Station for Updates
When outages are severe enough to affect large numbers of customers for extended periods of time (generally, more than a couple of days), we activate the Central Hudson Emergency Communication networK — or “C.H.E.C.K.”  It’s the best source for updated announcements about our restoration efforts and other information that is pertinent to listeners in the communities where the outages exist. Area radio stations who have volunteered to participate include:

AM Stations:  
WGHQ-920; WHUC-1230; WBNR-1260;  WALL-1340; WELV-1370; WEOK-1390; WLNA-1420;  WKIP-1450;  WKNY-1490

FM Stations: WRNQ-92.1; WRRB-92.7; WBPM-92.9; WBWZ-93.3; WZCR-93.5; WKXP-94.3; WPKF-96.1; WRRV-96.9; WZAD-97.3; WCZX-97.7; WKZE-98.1; WCTW-98.5; WFKP-99.3; WDST-100.1; WHUD-100.7; WPDH-101.5;  WSPK-104.7; WPDA-106.1; WRWD-107.3

Pull Some Plugs
To reduce the risk of damage to major appliances that would go back on when power is restored, turn off or unplug them. Just leave a light or two on in your home. (And it’s always helpful to our repair crews if you leave an outside light on after dark, so they’ll know for sure that the power is restored at your place.)

Blinking Digital Equipment?
When a branch brushes against or falls through our electric lines, electricity may be shut off for a brief moment to prevent a longer power outage.  In such cases, our system is designed to clear and reset itself, once the branch or other object is removed.  Only your most sensitive appliances, such as digital clocks, will sense these brief interruptions.

A Voltage Surge?
 Lightning can cause the most serious type of voltage fluctuation, one which can damage electrical appliances or computers. The best way to prevent this is to install surge arrestors in your panel (circuit breaker or fuse) box.  Surge suppressors – which plug into a wall outlet – should be installed to protect sensitive equipment.  If you don’t have surge suppressors, we recommend you unplug sensitive appliances and computers during lightning storms.

Low Voltage?
 If your lights dim, your television picture shrinks, or your appliances are humming but not running, you may be experiencing low voltage. Unplug the equipment, turn off the circuit breaker, or remove the fuse for all appliances that use motors, and call us to report the problem.  This is the best way to protect your appliances and equipment from damage.

Communications Plan
 When an emergency does occur, Central Hudson works with emergency officials and municipal leaders to coordinate restoration efforts. We will also contact the media to keep the public informed of our progress.