A winter storm is forecast for the Mid Hudson Valley over the next two days, with the possibility of snow, sleet and freezing rain that may lead to power interruptions in some areas. Central Hudson is preparing by monitoring weather reports and readying crews, equipment and vehicles.

If power is lost, customers should call Central Hudson’s PowerLine at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714 to report their power condition, and are encouraged to use the automated reporting system. Customers with access to a computer may also report their power condition via the utility’s website, www.CentralHudson.com, by using the StormCentral function. Information regarding service restoration estimates, as it becomes available, can be obtained by phone and on-line, and updates are posted on Facebook and Twitter. A mobile version of the utility’s website, including StormCentral, can be accessed by web-enabled cell phones and mobile devices at http://mobile.CentralHudson.com.

Customers can prepare for damaging storms by:

• Paying attention to weather advisories;
• Keeping a flashlight and fresh batteries on hand;
• Having a battery-powered radio to keep informed of restoration efforts;
• Stocking pantries with packaged or canned foods that require no refrigeration or cooking;
• Filling gas tanks on automobiles;
• Having an adequate supply of prescription medicines, cash and other necessities; and
• Keeping a supply of bottled water for drinking and washing, and filling a tub with water as an added reserve particularly if a water pump is used.

Customers are also reminded to stay clear of downed or sagging wires and check on frail or elderly neighbors, relatives or friends. Do not heat homes with unvented heaters, gas ranges or outdoor grills, as these pose a fire hazard and can give off deadly carbon monoxide gas. Similarly, generators should be operated only in a dry, vented location.

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