UI Readies Storm Team For Potential Outages

Customers are urged to prepare for rain and strong winds beginning Thursday night

 

ORANGE, Conn. — February 17, 2022 — With rain and strong winds in the forecast starting tonight and continuing into the morning, United Illuminating (UI) is urging customers to prepare for inclement weather and has begun its own preparation efforts, as outages may be possible.

Connecticut is expected to have strong winds and milder temperatures beginning Thursday evening and continuing into Friday. Small or large storms can have a detrimental impact, and UI wants customers to be prepared for the potential of outages that may occur.

“Our storm team has been monitoring the weather and expect strong winds and rain, which have the potential to cause outages. It is critical that our customers are prepared; I urge them to review our storm preparedness information on our website, uinet.com,” said UI President & CEO Frank Reynolds. “We also encourage all customers to sign up for text message alerts, download the UI mobile app, and follow us on social media to get the most up-to-date information on our weather response.”

UI advises customers to be prepared for the possibility of weather-related outages and to always have a plan of their own, in case of an extended loss of service. Customers can get up-to-date information on the UI website, and on the mobile app. UI is also offering the following safety tips.

Before a Storm

  • Sign up for Outage Alerts. Text “REG” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI) to receive free text alerts if you lose service, and for restoration updates. Or, 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 generators.

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.
  • If you suspect a natural gas 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

 

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