Dear Editor:
As New Jersey digs out from the season’s first major snow storm, PSE&G reminds customers to equip their homes for future storms. PSE&G has a strong reliability record and keeps its distribution systems ready year round for the demands of severe weather, but the wind, snow and ice of winter storms can bring down power lines and cause outages. While PSE&G is normally able to restore power to customers within a relatively short time, the utility offers these tips for customers in case of a winter power emergency.
Customers with life-sustaining equipment — Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic equipment such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with PSE&G to receive priority attention in the event of an outage. To request this service, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG. They should also inform their rescue squads and fire departments of their needs, in case of emergency.
If you lose power — First check your neighborhood. If you are the only one without power, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. If that’s not the problem, look outside at the wire between your house and the utility pole. If it is down, report it immediately to PSE&G by calling 1-800-436-PSEG.
Don’t assume PSE&G knows you are without power. Your call is the best way to notify PSE&G that your power is out. To report an outage, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG. In addition; set refrigerator and freezer at coldest settings; throw a blanket over appliances for added insulation; keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food will stay frozen between 36 and 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer (24 hours in a half-frozen freezer); do not use a charcoal or gas grill indoors. Either can cause a build-up of deadly carbon monoxide gas; unplug all motor-driven appliances like refrigerators and freezers and sensitive electronic equipment like TVS, microwaves and computers, to prevent an electrical overload when power is restored; leave one switch on to indicate when power is restored.
Stay away from downed lines.
If you use a portable electric generator, carefully read and follow the manual that came with it.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning — Whatever the season, PSE&G urges consumers to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning by making sure all fuel-burning appliances operate properly.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company is New Jersey’s oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state’s population. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company. Website address — http://www.pseg.com.
PSE&G Company