Central Maine Power Company (CMP) has activated its emergency response plans in anticipation of Hurricane Irene’s arrival over the weekend. The company is coordinating its planning with the Maine Emergency Management Agency and county-level emergency agencies.
CMP offers customers the following tips for safety during a storm and for comfort if the power goes out:
Stay clear of downed power lines and trees or limbs that may be tangled in the lines. These should all be considered live and dangerous. Call (800) 696-1000 to report downed lines.
Stay out of flooded basements because energized wiring or outlets below the water line may pose a hazard. If your basement or home is in danger of flooding, contact CMP to turn off your electricity.
Use caution when approaching utility crews in the roadway. The working conditions are difficult, and they will appreciate your consideration for their safety.
To report an outage, call (800) 696-1000. Your call will automatically generate a work order for the repairs.
Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with fresh batteries.
Have enough drinking water and non-perishable foods available for your household for several days.
Have a cell phone or land-line telephone available. Remember, cordless phones won’t work during a power outage.
If you use an emergency heating source, like a wood stove, fireplace, or kerosene heater, keep fuels away from the flames, and be sure to ventilate properly.
Never use grills or camp stoves indoors – they can give off dangerous gases.
For customers with generators:
• Carefully read and observe all instructions in the owner’s manual.
• Don’t run a generator indoors, even in an open garage.
• Hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.
• Make sure portable generators are properly grounded.
• Don’t store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it’s running.
Refer to CMP’s web page on generator safety: http://www.cmpco.com/UsageAndSafety/electricalsafety/GeneratorSafety/default.html