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National Grid Urges Customers to Stay Safe After Winter Storm National Grid Urges Customers to Stay Safe After Winter StormWORCESTER, Mass., January 28, 2015 - After two days of blizzard conditions, which led to significant snowfall, the region is digging out and National Grid is in the process of restoring the remaining customers who were affected by power outages. Overall, relatively few National Grid electric customers experienced service interruptions during the storm with the exception of Nantucket. Yesterday morning the entire island lost power when severe icing conditions knocked out the island's main substation and damaged several main power lines. By mid-afternoon, National Grid had restored one of the two substation transformers. Overnight, power was restored to more than two-thirds of the island's 12,800 customers. This morning, more than 40 additional crews and line trucks boarded ferries and headed to the island to complete the restoration. "We are grateful to all of the state and local officials and first responders for their assistance and support before, during and after the storm," said Dan Bunszell, National Grid vice president of New England Operations. "We especially appreciate our customers' patience throughout this ordeal. We're working as quickly and safely as possible to bring our remaining customers back online." Customers Urged to Take Post-Storm Safety PrecautionsWhile the storm is over, it's still critical to take appropriate precautions to stay safe. Cold Weather Safety Frigid temperatures are in the forecast - follow these tips to stay warm and safe:
  • Dressing properly is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from the cold
  • Wear a hat and scarf to retain body heat
  • Wear multiple layers of loose clothing (as opposed to one heavy layer) to trap warm air around your body
  • Wear mittens instead of gloves-they're warmer
Storm Clean-up Safety
  • Never trim or remove trees that are within 10 feet of power lines. Only tree trimmers and utility workers who are electrically qualified and trained can perform this work.
  • Before picking up a ladder to clear snow from a roof or gutters, look up, survey the entire work area to identify overhead power lines and make a plan to avoid them.
  • When carrying a ladder to and from the work location, be sure to keep the ladder level so an elevated end does not come near power lines; make sure to have a spotter to hold the base of the ladder
  • Do not use ladders on ice or snow unless absolutely necessary. If they must be used on ice or snow, use spike or spur-type safety shoes on the ladder feet and be sure they are gripping properly before climbing.
  • Be especially careful when installing metal siding, gutters, antennas, etc. which can blow into a power line while being raised into place.
Gas safety tips
  • The build-up of ice and snow around or over gas meters and vents for natural gas appliances could pose a serious safety risk. Ice and snow falling from a roof can damage gas meters or service connections to customers' homes or businesses,resulting in a gas leak.
  • Ice and snow blocking vents could cause carbon monoxide (CO) to back up into a building and result in carbon monoxide poisoning for those inside.
  • To avoid these dangers, National Grid advises natural gas customers to closely inspect areas around and over gas meters, service hook-ups and vents for ice and snow that could damage equipment or prevent CO from properly venting.
  • NEVER use your gas range to heat your apartment, or house. Your range's oven and top burners are designed to cook your food, NOT to heat your home. Prolonged use can reduce oxygen levels in the home and contribute to unusually excessive levels of carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide
  • The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu. Depending upon the amount of carbon monoxide in the air and length of exposure, symptoms may include headaches, weakness, confusion, chest tightness, skin redness, dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, fluttering of the heart or loss of muscle control.
  • If you suspect carbon monoxide is present in your home, go outside immediately and breathe deeply; then call 911. If symptoms are severe, get medical attention right away.
Take action if you detect a Gas LeakNational Grid advises that you take immediate action anytime you suspect a natural gas leak:
  • Get Out - All occupants should leave the house immediately. Do not use the telephone or light switches.
  • Call Us - After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call the National Grid 24-hour gas emergency number at 1-800-490-0045 or 911.
  • Stay Out - Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe
  • If you experience flooding in your home and your appliances have been in contact with water, please contact a plumbing or heating contractor to make sure the appliance is safe to operate.
Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period. About National GridNational Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE: NGG) is an electricity and natural gas delivery company that connects nearly 7 million customers to vital energy sources through its networks in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the Northeast. National Grid also operates the systems that deliver gas and electricity across Great Britain. Through its U.S. Connect21 strategy, National Grid is transforming its electricity and natural gas networks to support the 21st century digital economy with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions. Connect21 is vital to our communities' long-term economic and environmental health and aligns with regulatory initiatives in New York (REV: Reforming the Energy Vision) and Massachusetts (Grid Modernization). For more information please visit our website, or our Connecting, watch us on YouTube
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