Central Maine Power Company a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA, is getting ready for Winter Storm Nemo, which is forecast to move up the east coast and hit Maine on Friday and Saturday.
Utility trucks are fueled and equipped, and key CMP personnel are holding periodic pre-storm planning sessions to discuss staffing levels and finalize storm-response plans.
“We’ve put our storm response plan into motion, and we’re watching the forecast closely,” said John Carroll, spokesperson for Central Maine Power. “High winds are always a concern, and the moisture content of the snow can make a bigger difference than the overall snowfall. We expect deep snow on the roads and tough working conditions, so we’re getting crews, equipment, and materials in place to respond.”
The utility is coordinating its storm preparation efforts with other utilities in the North East Mutual Aid Group, or NEMAG. It is also lining up contract crews to assist local crews if the storm causes widespread damage. CMP is also keeping the Maine Emergency Management Agency apprised on preparation efforts.
If outages occur, CMP urges customers to call the toll-free outage hotline: 1-800-696-1000.
CMP offers customers the following tips to stay safe and comfortable if power outages do occur.
• Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
• When 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 your generator’s owner 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
The company urges customers to use caution if they see downed lines.
“Everyone should stay clear of any downed power lines or fallen trees that may be tangled in the lines,” said Carroll. “These lines should be considered live and dangerous. Customers should leave the clean-up to our crews, who are trained and equipped to handle these situations safely.”
CMP also reminds drivers to use caution when approaching utility crews. The working conditions are difficult, and the workers appreciate everyone’s consideration for their safety.
Additional information on storm safety and restoration, including a town-by-town listing of outages in the CMP service area with an area map, can be found on CMP’s web site at www.cmpco.com.