CL&P Opens Emergency Operations

A press release from Connecticut Light & Power:

Overnight rains, combined with this morning's high winds have caused scattered power outages, and Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) has opened its Emergency Operations Center in Berlin.

Over 500 line and tree crews were pre-staged for the storm in various locations across the 149 cities and towns the company services.  They continue to work this morning in affected areas..

"A wind advisory remains in effect this morning, so more wind gusts could cause additional issues," said Al Roy, CL&P's manager of Emergency Management.  "The winds are helping to take down small limbs and they are hitting the power lines and equipment."

CL&P is also in the process of assessing storm damage.  Estimates as to when power will be restored will be available once assessments are complete.  We appreciate our customers patience.

In the meantime, CL&P is reminding customers to:

• Stay away from all downed wires.  Assume any downed, hanging or burning power lines are live and dangerous and call 9-1-1 immediately.  If a power line falls on your vehicle while you’re inside, stay there.  Don’t touch anything outside the vehicle and wait for emergency crews.
• Report your power outage by calling CL&P at 800-286-2000.  Our automated phone system rapidly processes your report and helps us speed restoration efforts.  It also provides restoration estimates as soon as they’re available.
• Before operating a generator, make sure it has been properly installed by a licensed electrician.  Improperly installed generators can feed electricity back into power lines and pose a deadly situation for our line workers.  Always operate generators outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide hazards.
• If you lose power, turn off your circuit breakers.  This will help reduce the possibility of damage to sensitive electronic equipment once power is restored.

For helpful tips and news updates, go to our website at cl-p.com, follow us on Twitter @CTLightandPower and like us at Facebook.com/CTLightandPower.  You can also get updates on outages in your town by texting “outage” and your zip code to 24612  (texting fees may apply).