February Wind Storm 2010
Outage Update #4 – 02/26/2010 4:30 p.m.
MANCHESTER, N.H. – Feb. 26, 2010 – As of 4:30 p.m., PSNH reports that
approximately 265,000 PSNH customers (54 percent) are without power as a
result of the devastating wind storm that belted through New York and New
England last night.
Although power outages are widespread throughout the state, the Seacoast
and Southern regions of New Hampshire were hit hardest by this storm.
Wind speeds above 60 mph were recorded in both regions, with gusts
reaching 91 mph in Portsmouth, NH.
Given the number of outages and road closures, the amount of tree and
branch debris that must be cleared before power can be restored, and
PSNH’s ongoing assessment of the damage, customers are asked to prepare
for what will be a multi-day power restoration effort. For information on
shelters and other assistance, customers are encouraged to call 211.
Reinforcements on Their Way to NH
PSNH currently has about 266 line and tree-trimming crews working to
assess damage, clear debris, and restore power, up from 145 crews at 10
a.m. this morning. Crews have arrived throughout the day from PSNH’s
sister utility, Connecticut Light & Power, as well as multiple
contractors.
An additional 310 crews will arrive from Maryland, Michigan, and
Pennsylvania within 24 hours. Crews will be working around-the-clock to
restore service as quickly as possible.
Power Restoration Priorities
The first priority for PSNH is to restore power to customers in emergency
situations. This typically includes hospitals, nursing homes, police and
fire stations, and customers on life-support systems. Major circuits and
lines serving the largest concentrations of people are repaired next.
Once the major lines are repaired, lines feeding off of these circuits
can be repaired.
Another priority for PSNH crews is removing wires from downed trees that
are blocking roadways, so that communities can safely clear the debris
and open up the roads for use by residents and emergency vehicles.
Customers should be extremely cautious around downed power lines and/or
damaged electrical equipment. Always assume downed wires are energized,
even if they appear to be “dead,” and notify PSNH of their location
immediately at 1-800-662-7764.
Install Generators Correctly to Avoid Potentially Fatal Hazards
PSNH reminds customers that it is critical for their safety and the
safety of line workers repairing the electrical system that portable
generators be installed correctly. Generators must be properly ventilated
to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and should never be refueled while in
operation.
To protect line workers, a generator should only be attached to the house
wiring and be completely isolated from the utility supply. Without proper
isolation, power that is being generated through the home could also feed
into the PSNH electrical system and possibly electrocute a neighbor or a
utility worker. Please take care when installing a portable generator.
For more generator safety tips, visit
www.psnh.com/Residential/SafetyCenter/Generators.asp.
Photos taken today illustrate some of the storm damage in the 03101 area:
http://bit.ly/aBCXNb
More information on power outages and storm restoration is available on
the company’s website at www.psnh.com/stormsafety.
For the most recent information, please follow @psnh on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/psnh. Additional information will be provided
throughout the day.