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NATIONAL GRID URGES EXTREME CAUTION AROUND ELECTRIC SERVICE LINES WHILE CLEARING ROOFS NATIONAL GRID URGES EXTREME CAUTION AROUND ELECTRIC SERVICE LINES WHILE CLEARING ROOFSShock Hazard When Using Ladders, Shovels, Roof Rakes; Look for Service Damage from Heavy Snow LoadsNov. 22, 2014 - The potential hazards of massive amounts of snow on a roof are serious, but may not always be obvious. The recent lake effect storms that dropped several feet of snow across portions of western and northern New York have left many home and business owners facing a dilemma. Clearly, the volume of snow on a roof is a hazard to the structural integrity of the roof and presents a real problem for the homeowner on how best to clear it. There is, however, another danger that might not be as obvious. Heaving snows place a burden on the electricity service wires that bring energy into a home. Those wires are live, of course, and are a potential hazard to anyone attempting to clear snow. National Grid is urging all home and building owners to be especially cautious as they work to clear their roofs by following the these safety recommendations:
  • Keep all ladders, shovels, roof rakes and other devices well clear of any lines coming from the street to the structure, regardless of material. In extremely wet conditions, even wood can be a conductor of electricity.
  • If necessary, start clearing snow from the opposite end of the roof from the service point where electricity is delivered. This will allow for relief of snow loading.
  • If you are unsure of how to go about clearing snow, or if your roof is particularly steep, contact a qualified roofing contractor.
  • As snow is removed from the roof, be aware of what is below that could become buried as snow hits the ground. Be especially mindful of the location of your electricity and gas meters, as they could be damaged by falling snow and ice.
National Grid is also urging customers to be aware that such heavy snow loads could damage the connections of your electricity service to your building, often known as the weatherhead. As snow melts or is otherwise removed, look at this connection point from a safe distance to be sure it hasn't been pulled away from the building, creating a potential fire hazard. A typical overhead electric service consists of the following:
  1. Electricity lines that run from the utility pole to your residence. The only equipment that is maintained or owned by National Grid beyond this connection point is the meter.
  2. Weatherhead and insulator at the point where electricity lines connect to your residence.
  3. Service entrance cable is the wire that runs from the weatherhead to the meter and from the meter to the service panel in your home.
  4. Meter box on which your electric meter is mounted.
  5. The meter itself.
  6. Main Service Panel which includes the fuse boxes and/or circuit breakers for the electricity service in your home.
National Grid is responsible for repairs to the overhead lines to the weatherhead, and the meter itself. Repairs to any other portions of the service are the responsibility of the customer. If any of that service is damaged, customers should contact a certified electrician to handle the repairs. Information about post-storm responsibilities is available on National Grid's website by clicking here. To report an electricity service outage, National Grid customers should call: 1-800-867-5222. General inquiries about an account should be directed to: 1-800-642-4272. To help customers stay informed, National Grid provides a number of channels for customers to learn about service issues and interruptions. Customers can receive text message alerts and updates through a free service the company offers. The company provides real time outage information at its Outage Central web site. There is also an app available for mobile devices. Text the word STORM to NGRID (64743) to sign up for the service. E-mail alerts are also available to customers who create an online profile on the company's website. All alert services can be started and stopped at the customer's request. National Grid also provides storm and restoration updates through Facebook and Twitter. About National GridNational Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE:NGG) is an electricity and gas company that connects consumers to energy sources through its networks. The company is at the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing our society - to create new, sustainable energy solutions for the future and developing an energy system that underpins economic prosperity in the 21st century. National Grid holds a vital position at the center of the energy system and it 'joins everything up'. In the northeast US, we connect more than seven million gas and electric customers to vital energy sources, essential for our modern lifestyles. In Great Britain, we run the gas and electricity systems that our society is built on, delivering gas and electricity across the country.  National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. For more information please visit our website: www.nationalgridus.com, watch us on YouTube
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