Nov 30, 2019
Snow, Sleet, Icing May Cause Power Interruptions
Residents advised to be prepared and use caution during forecasted storm

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation advises local residents to be prepared for winter-like weather, as forecasts predict the arrival of snow, sleet, ice and gusty winds. These conditions could cause electric service interruptions and dangerous driving conditions.

“We are closely monitoring the weather and preparing to respond in the event of power interruptions that may be caused by this storm, predicted to impact our region on Sunday and Monday, “ said Paul E. Haering, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations at Central Hudson. “Our customers, too, are also advised to take precautions. Heavy snow and icing can damage trees and utility poles, bring down power lines and cause outages and hazardous conditions.”

Haering stressed that residents should stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines, and remember that lines may be entangled and hidden in fallen trees and limbs. “Assume all downed lines are live, and keep a wide distance from fallen trees and limbs,” he said.

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is also one of the busiest travel times of the year, and Haering advised drivers to be especially careful due to the potential for slippery conditions, downed limbs and fallen power lines that may block roadways. “Never attempt to drive over or around downed power lines, and heed any detours,” he said.

Haering recommended ways in which customers can prepare for the storm and potential electric service interruptions by:

  • Paying attention to weather advisories, storm outage updates and/or shelter information;
  • Charging electronic devices in order to connect with https://StormCentral.CenHud.com;
  • Keeping handy a flashlight and fresh batteries;
  • Having a battery-powered radio to remain informed of restoration efforts;
  • Confirming adequate packaged or canned foods that require no refrigeration or cooking;
  • Avoiding opening a refrigerator unnecessarily during outages, so that food lasts longer;
  • Having a non-electric can opener;
  • Keeping an emergency supply of bottled water on hand for drinking and washing; and
  • Filling bathtubs with water as added reserves.

 Haering urged customers to keep safety in mind, particularly during power interruptions:

  • Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines, and remember that lines may be entangled and hidden in fallen trees. Assume all downed lines are live;
  • Never use outdoor gas or charcoal grills indoors, as they pose a fire hazard and over time can give off carbon monoxide gas;
  • Beware of fallen trees and limbs, and use caution or traveling;
  • Avoid the use of candles for illumination due to fire hazards;
  • Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions on the use of emergency generators, and be sure to shut off the main breaker when in use and operate the units outdoors;
  • Operate cars and motor vehicles outdoors only, and never inside the garage; and
  • Avoid travel along roadways as hazardous conditions may cause driving accidents, including those involving utility poles which may cause power interruptions.

Customers can stay informed of storm and restoration conditions in the following ways:

  • By text messaging: Customers should enroll in Central Hudson's Texting Program to use text messaging to report their power condition and to obtain repair status. To enroll, visit www.CentralHudson.com/Alerts or text REG to 236483;
  • On the Web: Visit www.CentralHudson.com/Storms to report outages and obtain restoration updates;
  • Via smart phones: A mobile version of the Central Hudson's website can be accessed by web-enabled cell phones and mobile devices at https://mobile.CenHud.com. Free Central Hudson mobile applications for Android and Apple and are also available by logging onto www.CentralHudson.com/mobileapp;
  • Through social media:  "Like" Central Hudson on Facebook (Facebook.com/ CentralHudson) and "Follow" on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/CentralHudson); and
  • By phone: Call the Central Hudson PowerLine at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714, and please use the automated system to report or monitor your power condition. 

 More information on preparing for storms and communicating with Central Hudson is available at www.CentralHudson.com; for information regarding electric and natural gas safety, visit www.CentralHudson.com/Safety.

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