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UIL On Watch For Storms
UIL On Watch For Storms
UIL On Watch For Storms
NEWS RELEASE
July 18, 2011
Media Contact:
Michael A. West Jr. – 203-499-3858
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- July 18, 2011 -- UIL Holdings Corporation and its operating
companies are encouraging customers to take extra precautions during the severe weather
predicted for later today. The National Weather Service is predicting scattered
thunderstorms during the afternoon and into the evening hours that may be severe;
producing large hail and strong winds.
UIL’s electric utility, The United Illuminating Company (UI), is currently monitoring the
weather and will continue to monitor it throughout the day. UI is also executing its plans
for responding to outages expected as a result of the severe weather.
UIL and its operating companies have prepared some tips to help keep you and your
families safe and prepared should power outages occur:
Report problems:
Always assume downed power lines are live and dangerous, and be mindful of natural
gas odors. If you see a downed power line, need to report an electrical power outage, or
smell natural gas, please call your utility toll-free with the location and any specifics.
Generators:
If you have a home generator it must be connected to your home’s wiring through a
special transfer switch to ensure that the house wires are isolated from the utility wires.
This will ensure that your home and equipment are safely operated.
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Medical equipment:
If you or someone in your home uses electronic life-support or medical-monitoring
equipment, you should have a back-up plan in case you lose power in a storm. UI also
has a program to register “life support” customers. Call 1-800-7-CALL-UI (1-800-722-
5584) to find out more.
Storm Cleanup:
Take note of any overhead lines before cleaning gutters or performing other
outdoor work at home.
When carrying ladders and long-handled tools, check your path to make sure you
won’t cross overhead lines.
Always keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from overhead
lines, including lines from the pole to your home.
Assume that all downed overhead lines are energized, even if you’ve lost power,
unless your utility informs you otherwise.
Use only non-conductive ladders when working near any overhead power lines.
Natural gas customers should keep sidewall vents clear of debris, leaves and
vegetation.
Lightning Safety:*
If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. Take shelter
immediately.
If possible, remain indoors. Keep windows and doors shut, and stay away from
them.
Do not use corded phones, computers or other equipment that puts you in direct
contact with electricity. Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
If you are outdoors, take shelter in your car if possible. Keep the windows and
doors closed.
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Source: National Weather Service: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/
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If you are caught outdoors, stay away from water. If you are at the top of an
elevated area, such as a hilltop, get off. Never take shelter under a tree, or near an
object that conducts electricity (fences, power lines, windmills, etc.).
If you are caught in the open, find a ditch or low ground and curl into a ball. Do
not lie flat on the ground.
If someone is struck by lighting, call 911. The victim does not carry a charge, so
you may immediately provide medical attention including CPR (cardio-
pulmonary resuscitation) or AED (automated external defibrillator). Lightning
strike victims have a very good chance of recovery if treated quickly.
UIL is the parent company of The United Illuminating Company (UI), Connecticut
Natural Gas Corporation (CNG), The Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG), and
The Berkshire Gas Company (BGC), each more than 100 years old. UI provides for the
transmission and delivery of electricity and other energy related services for
Connecticut's Greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas. SCG and CNG are natural gas
distribution companies that serve customers in Connecticut, while Berkshire Gas serves
natural gas customers in western Massachusetts. UIL employs more than 1,850 people in
the New England region.
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