Oct 31, 2019
Windy, Rainy Weather May Cause Power Interruptions

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation advises local residents to be prepared for potentially strong, gusty winds forecasted to accompany the heavy rains today and tonight with the possibility of embedded thunderstorms and lightning, and strong winds continuing through early Friday. These conditions could cause electric service interruptions.

"Our customers should be prepared for the possibility of stormy weather conditions today," said Paul E. Haering, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations at Central Hudson. “We are readying equipment and crews in the event of power interruptions, and our customers should also take precautions, as well, particularly tonight as children and families may be outdoors for Halloween.

“Windy conditions could cause trees and limbs to fall onto power lines, creating a potential hazard,” said Haering. He 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.

Haering also cautioned that glare and heavy rains can impair night visibility, and wet leaves may cause slippery conditions. “Be especially careful when driving, particularly in neighborhoods where children will be trick-or-treating. Pedestrians should also ensure they are visible, for example by wearing reflective clothing and carrying flashlights.”

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 CentralHudson.com/Alerts or text REG to 236483;
  • On the Web: Visit 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 CentralHudson.com/mobileapp;
  • Through social media:  "Like" Central Hudson on 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 emergencies 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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