Ene 18, 2019
Winter Storm Predicted to bring Snow, Mixed Precipitation, Winds
Frigid temperatures are forecasted to follow – Central Hudson urges customers to prepare

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation advises local residents to be prepared for a winter storm predicted to arrive on Saturday and continuing through Sunday. In addition to snow, forecasts call for the possibility of freezing rain, ice and winds, causing both hazardous driving conditions and the potential for falling trees and electric service interruptions. Following the storm, windy conditions may persist, combined with arrival of a cold front bringing frigid temperatures to the region.

"Weather forecasts predict a significant storm this weekend, with very cold temperatures to follow," said Paul E. Haering, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations. “Snow and mixed precipitation, combined with winds of 35 mph or more, may cause trees and limbs to fall onto power lines and interrupt electric service. The cold temperatures can also strain heating systems and raise overall energy use as homes struggle to stay warm.”

Haering said the utility is ready for the storm. "Central Hudson is preparing equipment and crews in the event of power interruptions and to monitor the natural gas system, and has secured more than 100 electric and tree trimming contractors in addition to our own resources to provide assistance as needed,” said Haering. “Our customers, too, should also take precautions.” He said that while Central Hudson regularly invests in the electric system and manages tree growth around power lines, severe weather can cause damage and interrupt electric service.

Haering recommended that customers act now to prepare for the storm and cold temperatures in the following ways:

  • Pay attention to weather advisories, storm outage updates and/or shelter information;
  • Charge electronic devices in order to connect with https://StormCentral.CenHud.com;
  • Keep handy a flashlight and fresh batteries;
  • Have a battery-powered radio to remain informed of restoration efforts;
  • Confirm adequate packaged or canned foods that require no refrigeration or cooking;
  • Avoid opening a refrigerator unnecessarily during outages, so that food lasts longer;
  • Have a non-electric can opener;
  • Keep an emergency supply of bottled water on hand for drinking and washing;
  • Fill bathtubs with water as added reserves;
  • To save energy, lower thermostat settings if possible, seal cracks and leaks around windows and doors and draw heavy curtains to keep cold air out; and
  • Close fireplace flues when not in use to keep warm indoor air from leaving through the chimney.

Haering also urged customers to keep safety in mind, particularly during power interruptions and colder temperatures:

  • Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines, and remember that lines may be entangled and hidden in fallen trees. Assume all downed lines are live;
  • Clear snow and ice from natural gas meters, regulators and other natural gas equipment.
  • Remove accumulated snow and ice from exhaust and combustion air vents and chimneys to prevent a potentially lethal buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
  • Never use outdoor gas or charcoal grills indoors, as they pose a fire hazard and over time can give off carbon monoxide gas;
  • Install and/or test carbon monoxide detectors and ensure they are in working order;
  • Beware of fallen trees and limbs, and use caution or traveling;
  • Avoid the use of candles for illumination due to fire hazards;
  • Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions on the use of emergency generators, and be sure to shut off the main breaker when in use and operate the units outdoors;
  • Operate cars and motor vehicles outdoors only, and never inside the garage; and
  • Avoid travel along roadways as hazardous conditions may cause driving accidents, including those involving utility poles which may cause power interruptions.

"Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions on the use of emergency generators, and be sure to shut off the main breaker when in use and operate the units only outdoors," Haering said.  He also advised customers to know how to open their garage door manually if they usually rely on an electrically operated, remote-control door opener.

Customers can stay informed of storm and restoration conditions in the following ways:

  • By text messaging: Customers should enroll in Central Hudson's Texting Program to use text messaging to report their power condition and to obtain repair status. To enroll, visit www.CentralHudson.com/Alerts or text REG to 236483;
  • On the Web: Visit www.CentralHudson.com/Storms to report outages and obtain restoration updates;
  • Via smart phones: A mobile version of the Central Hudson's website can be accessed by web-enabled cell phones and mobile devices at https://mobile.CenHud.com. Free Central Hudson mobile applications for Android and Apple and are also available by logging onto www.CentralHudson.com/mobileapp;
  • Through Social Media:  "Like" Central Hudson on Facebook (Facebook.com/ CentralHudson) and "Follow" on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/CentralHudson); and
  • By Phone: Call the Central Hudson PowerLine at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714, and please use the automated system to report or monitor your power condition. 

More information on preparing for storms and emergencies and communicating with Central Hudson is available at www.CentralHudson.com; for information regarding electric and natural gas safety, visit www.CentralHudson.com/Safety.

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