In August,2003, the Northeast US experienced a power outage on a scale not seen in decades. Business was lost, food spoiled, commuters stranded, and traffic lights non-functional in many cities and towns. This outage was caused by weak links in the electrical power grid infrastructure, but many types of emergency and disaster situations can affect the availability of power.

During severe winter storms, a home heating system could be inoperative for as long as several days. To minimize discomfort and possible health problems during this time, conserve body heat by dressing warmly; using an alternative heat source, such as a fireplace or portable heater; and confining heating to a single room. While chances of freezing to death in your home are small, there's a greater danger of death by fire, lack of oxygen or carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of emergency generators.

Emergency Contact Information for Major Power Companies in NYS

National Grid

Natural gas odors/emergencies: 1-800-892-2345           Power Outage: 1-800-867-5222

Critical customer* planning: 1-800-460-0316

NYSEG (New York State Electric & Gas)

Natural gas odors/emergencies 1-800-572-1121           Power outage report: 1-800-572-1131

Critical customer* planning: 1-800-572-1111

RG&E (Rochester Gas & Electric)                            Power outage report: 1-800-743-1701

Critical customer* planning: 1-800-743-2110

*Critical customers are defined as those who have special medical needs such as using electrically operated life-sustaining equipment.

RESOURCES

Portable Generator Safety  

Weathering Storm Emergencies

 University of Maine Cooperative Extension fact sheets:

 Staying Warm in an Unheated House

 Unvented Portable Kerosene Heaters

 Preparing Food During a Power Outage

 Safety of Frozen Food During a Power Outage

 Safety of Refrigerated Foods During a Power Outage