Customers advised to sign up for Outage Alert to stay informed about restoration status and updates
United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), is monitoring forecasts and readying crews and equipment ahead of a storm that’s expected to bring a wintery mix of snow, sleet and rain to the company’s service territory.
Current forecasts call for mixed precipitation Monday that will likely turn to rain as temperatures warm in the late evening and early morning hours. UI has been tracking and preparing for the storm over the weekend, and continues to carefully monitor forecasts and conditions. Line and tree crews will be standing ready to restore any power outages that might occur, following an orderly process to ensure service is restored safely and efficiently.
UI advises customers to be prepared year-round for the possibility of weather-related outages, and to have a plan in case of an extended loss of service. Customers can find safety and readiness information, as well as other resources, at uinet.com.
Before a Storm:
· Sign up for Outage Alerts. Text “REG” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI) to receive free text alerts if you lose service, along with for restoration updates. Visit uinet.com for additional alert options.
· Keep long-lasting LED flashlights and lanterns on hand, along with a battery-operated radio, fresh batteries, drinking water, non-perishable foods and prescription medications.
· Fully charge mobile devices and store emergency contacts in memory.
· Fuel vehicles and fill spare fuel tanks for snow-blowers and generators.
Medical and Life Support Customers:
· Customers who rely on life-saving medical equipment should have a plan in case of a sudden or extended loss of service. UI medical and life-support customers should register in advance to ensure the company is aware of their needs. Call UI at 800.722.5584 (800.7.CALL.UI).
Safety Tips:
· Stay far away from downed wires and anything that may be in contact with them. Report downed wires and other electrical hazards to UI at 800-722-5584.
· If a downed wire comes in contact with your vehicle, stay inside, call 911 and wait for help. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, avoid making contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Jump clear of the vehicle, land with your feet together, and hop away with both feet together, or shuffle away without lifting your feet. Don’t run or stride.
· Never step into a flooded basement or other room if water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances or cords.
· Keep natural gas meters, regulators and exhaust vents clear of snow, ice and debris. Clear them by hand or using a broom or other soft tool to avoid damage. If gas equipment becomes encased in ice, makes an unusual noise or if you suspect a leak, call the emergency number listed on your gas company’s website. (For Southern Connecticut Gas, call 800.513.8898; for Connecticut Natural Gas, call 866.924.5325).
Generators:
· Do not use a generator that plugs into your home’s electrical system unless it is connected via a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. Improperly connected generators can back-feed electricity into the outside grid and pose a danger to the public and to crews working to restore service.
· Carefully read and observe the instructions in your generator’s operating manual.
· Properly ground all portable generators.
· Never run a generator indoors, in an open garage, or near a window.
· Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it’s running.
Report an Outage:
· To report an outage, visit uinet.com or call 800.722.5584 (800.7.CALL.UI).
· Report outages using the company’s new mobile app, available from the Apple Store and Google Play.
· Report outages via UI’s mobile alerts system: text “OUT” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI). Registration is required.
Additional storm readiness and safety information:
· Visit UI online at uinet.com.
· Find UI on facebook.com/unitedilluminating.
· Follow @UnitedIllum on Twitter.
· Storm relief resources can be found by calling Connecticut’s InfoLine at 2-1-1, or by visiting 211ct.org.
