NEW YORK — Con Edison is closely monitoring the storm that began overnight and is expected to last into Wednesday.
The forecast calls for snow, sleet and freezing rain. The mix could cause branches and trees to fall into power lines and knock out electrical service to customers.
Customers can report outages and check service restoration status by computer, PDA, or cell phone at www.conEd.com. They also may call 1-800-75CONED. When reporting an outage, have your Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether your neighbors also have lost power.
Con Edison offers the following storm tips to customers to help weather the possible effects of a storm:
· If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Treat all downed wires as if they are live. Never attempt to move them or touch them with any object. Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by snow, tree limbs, leaves or water.
· Report all downed wires to Con Edison and your local police department immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you’re in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.
· If your power goes out, disconnect or turn off appliances that would otherwise turn on automatically when service is restored. If several appliances start up at once, the electric circuits may overload.
· Check to make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are in working order. Make sure you have a supply of extra batteries. Weather updates and news on restorations of electrical service can be heard on most local radio and television stations.
· For more storm tips and preparation, go to www.conEd.com
In addition, the company is in close contact with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services to coordinate storm-response if needed.