With Significant Lake Effect Snow Continuing Across Areas of Upstate New York, National Grid Offers Important Safety Reminders

Use caution when removing snow that accumulates on rooftops, and near gas and electricity equipment

WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- As significant lake effect snow continues to accumulate across portions of upstate New York, National Grid’s field force remains pre-positioned across the region and ready to respond through the weekend if the weather disrupts service to customers. The company also offers the following important safety reminders for customers and snow removal contractors clearing snow near electricity and gas equipment.

Electricity Safety

• The photos below illustrate how snow and ice accumulation on roofs can place a burden on electricity service wires -- also known as the weatherhead -- that bring energy into the home.
  
  These wires are live and are a potential hazard to anyone attempting to clear snow and ice. As snow and ice are removed, inspect the connection point from a safe distance to be sure that the weatherhead hasn’t pulled away from the house, which would create a potential fire hazard. 

National Grid also reminds home and building owners to be especially cautious as they work to clear snow and ice by following these safety recommendations:

• Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines at all times.
• Keep all ladders, shovels, roof rakes and other devices well clear of any lines coming from the street to the structure, regardless of the material the equipment is made from. In extremely wet conditions, even wood can conduct electricity.
• Start clearing snow from the opposite end of the roof from the service point where electricity is delivered.   

Gas Safety

• The buildup of ice and snow around or over natural gas meters, regulators and pipes can pose a serious safety risk. Ice and snow falling from a roof can damage gas meters or service connections to customers’ homes or businesses, resulting in potential gas leaks. Customers should take immediate action if a natural gas leak is suspected:
  • Get out – All occupants should leave the house immediately. Do not use the telephone, light switches or automatic garage door openers for any reason.
  • Call us – After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call National Grid’s 24-hour gas emergency number: 1-800-892-2345.
  • Stay out – Don’t return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe to do so.
• Cleared snow should never be piled around vents. A blocked vent can lead to the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide inside the home or business.
  • The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu and may include headaches, weakness, confusion, chest tightness, skin redness, dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, heart fluttering or loss of muscle control. If you suspect carbon monoxide is present in your home, immediately go outside and breathe deeply. Then call 911.
• When clearing snow, customers and snow removal contractors should be aware of the location of natural gas equipment to avoid coming into contact with meters, hitting outside gas risers, or piling snow around vents mounted on the outside of buildings, which can cause the dilemma illustrated below:

Safety Near Downed Power Lines

• Always assume a downed line is carrying live electricity.
• Don’t touch anything in contact with downed power lines and stay 30 feet away from a downed wire.
• Never touch a person or an object in contact with a downed line, as electricity can transfer to you.
• Take caution when approaching fallen trees, which could have power lines caught in them.
• Remember that water can conduct electricity. If you see a power line down in a puddle or flooded area, avoid contact with the water to prevent risk of shock.

Electricity & Generator Safety

• If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.
• Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.
• Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642-4272. In a medical emergency, always dial 911.
• Keep working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm.
• Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power.

Stay Informed and Connected

• Customers with active electricity accounts who text ‘REG’ to 64743 canhave personalized alerts sent to them via text, email or phone call when we detect an outage on their property.
• Customers also can text ‘OUT’ to 64743 to report an outage.
• For real-time power outage information, online outage reporting, and in-depth storm safety information, visit National Grid’s Outage Central website. Customers who create an online profile also can sign up for email alerts.
• Customers can read the latest company news, check outage status and report an outage by using the National Grid app.
• Visit our website: www.nationalgridus.com, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a path to a more affordable, reliable clean energy future through our fossil-free vision. National Grid is transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find our photos on Instagram.