“We’ve put our storm response plan into motion, and we’re watching the forecast closely,” said Gail Rice, spokesperson for Central Maine Power. “Freezing rain is always one of our biggest concerns, and the conditions forecast for Sunday could cause considerable ice buildup on roadways, tree limbs, and power lines. This could result in power interruptions and difficult travel, so we’re getting crews, equipment, and materials in place to respond.”
The utility is coordinating its storm preparation efforts with other utilities in the North Atlantic Mutual Assistance Group, or NAMAG. It is also lining up contract crews to assist local crews if the storm causes widespread damage. CMP is also keeping the Maine Emergency Management Agency apprised on preparation efforts.
If outages occur, CMP urges customers to call the toll-free outage hotline: 1.800.696.1000.
CMP offers customers the following tips to prepare for the storm and stay safe and comfortable if power
outages do occur.
Before a storm strikes:
Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
Make sure that smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices are fully charged.
Fill your car’s fuel tank.
During a power interruption:
To report a power interruption, contact CMP at 1.800.696.1000. Our telephone system automatically creates a work order and sets the stage for dispatch of crews to the outage location.
When using an emergency heating source, like a wood stove, fireplace, or kerosene heater, keep fuels away from the flames and be sure to ventilate properly.
Never use grills or camp stoves indoors — they can give off dangerous gases.
Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours or longer if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.
For customers with generators:
Hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.
Make sure portable generators are properly grounded.
Carefully read and observe all instructions in your generator’s operating manual.
Never run a generator indoors, or even in an open garage.
Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it’s running.
Refer to CMP’s web page on generator safety: http://www.cmpco.com/UsageAndSafety/electricalsafety/GeneratorSafety/default.html
The company urges customers to use caution if they see downed lines.
“Everyone should stay clear of any downed power lines or fallen trees that may be tangled in the lines,” said Rice. “All downed lines should be considered live and dangerous. Customers should leave the clean-up to our crews, who are trained and equipped to handle these situations safely.”
CMP also reminds drivers to use caution when approaching utility crews. The working conditions are difficult, and the workers appreciate everyone’s consideration for their safety.
Additional information on storm safety and restoration, including a town-by-town listing of outages in the CMP service area with an area map, can be found on CMP’s web site at www.cmpco.com.
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