National Grid Prepares for Hurricane Irene

NEW YORK (08/26/2011)(readMedia)-- National Grid is actively preparing for the potential effects of Hurricane Irene, which meteorologists currently expect to reach the northeast this weekend.

As Irene moves into New York City and Long Island, she could bring damaging winds, tidal surges, heavy rain and flooding that could affect the natural gas delivery system.

In anticipation of Irene, National Grid has activated its storm emergency plan, which includes calling in extra crews; pre-staging crews and materials to areas anticipated to be most severely impacted; Identifying low-lying, flood-prone areas and natural gas facilities for monitoring and potential isolation; holding multiple planning calls; and ensuring that key areas such as operations and customer call centers are appropriately staffed.

National Grid also is reaching out to state, regional and local officials to inform them of advance plans and to keep the lines of communications open before, during and after the storm.

"We know that our customers always depend on us to restore their gas service as quickly as possible, and especially during major storms," said Ellen Smith, National Grid chief operations officer. "We are hard at work preparing for whatever Irene may bring and will keep our customers informed throughout this event." Smith added, "We also want our customers to be ready for Irene, and urge them to start preparing now so they will be safe during and after the storm."

National Grid offers the following tips for customers to minimize inconvenience and maximize safety in the event that storm-related service interruptions do occur:

• Keep National Grid's contact numbers handy in case you need them –
  • If you smell gas in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, call 718-643-4050. On Long Island and the Rockaways, gas emergency calls should go to 1-800-490-0045.
  • If you do not smell gas but have no gas service -- for Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, the number to call is 718-643-4050. On Long Island and the Rockaways, calls should go to 1-800-930-5003; we will send a service technician to your location.
• Do not turn off the gas meter even in the event of an evacuation. The gas meter should be left on to maintain proper pressure in the gas piping within the house and to prevent water from entering the lines should flooding occur. Most gas appliances have safety valves that shut off the flow of gas automatically if the pilot light goes out.
• If your appliances have been in contact with water, please contact a licensed plumbing or heating contractor to make sure the appliances are safe to operate.
• If we have shut your gas service off for safety reasons, National Grid will provide instructions on steps required to safely restore your service.
• Don't forget to check outdoor appliances, such as pool heaters and gas grills.
• Listen for important announcements on television and radio from emergency officials about possible evacuations or other emergency procedures.
• Customers also can stay in touch with National Grid by following the company on Facebook, Twitter and on our website www.nationalgridus.com.
• Keep a number of working flashlights, extra batteries and at least one battery-operated radio; National Grid provides news media with timely information regarding service restoration efforts.
• Prepare a family emergency kit that includes, at least water, a three day supply of food, can opener, First aid kit, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, local maps, cell phone with chargers, prescription medications and glasses, matches in a waterproof container, paper and pencil.
• Assist the elderly during this stressful period by making sure they have considered their options including how to say safe at home or considering a stay with local friends.

National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.