Newburgh - Central Hudson expects that Saturday's improved weather and road conditions, as well as the addition of even more repair crews from other areas, will help to make progress in restoring electric service to customers who remain without electricity following two powerful storms this week. A field force of approximately 1,000 people is now working to restore service, often with the support of municipal crews who are making roads passable by clearing snow and other debris.
As of Saturday morning, approximately 134,000 customers remained without service, some whose electricity went out overnight due to continuing weather-related problems. Saturday morning outages were located by county as follows: Albany: 350; Columbia: 100; Dutchess: 45,600; Greene: 7,750; Orange: 42,400; Putnam 4,000; and Ulster: 34,200. Officials expect that additional outages may be reported through the weekend, even as power is restored to some customers.
In all, service was interrupted to more than 150,000 customers by the two storms, the largest outage event in Central Hudson history. As of Saturday morning, the hardest-hit areas remain southern Dutchess and Orange counties, as well as communities in higher elevations throughout the Valley. Conditions are so bad in some remote locations that Central Hudson repair crews have had to don snowshoes to access off-road facilities in order to make repairs.
Crews worked throughout the night in every county, and were relieved by fresh teams this morning. They will continue the task of repairing electric facilities, clearing fallen trees and providing emergency response throughout the utility's eight-county service area in the face of massive damage created by up to two feet of snow in some locations.
Central Hudson's contingent of 62 two- and three-man crews has been supplemented with 198 two and three-man crews from other locations. In addition, 98 tree-trimming crews, also comprised of two or three men each, and hundreds of Central Hudson personnel from other departments are assisting with logistical support as part of the largest restoration effort the utility has ever staged. Even some retirees have been called in to assist with the massive effort.
Still, customers in some locations should expect that restoration may take several more days, and those without electric service should make alternate arrangements for shelter. Emergency shelters have been established by the Red Cross and other agencies (see a complete list at
www.CentralHudson.com).
Central Hudson has scheduled the distribution of free dry ice and bottled water at seven locations beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday:
* Rosendale Recreation Center, Rt. 32, Rosendale
* Eltings Corners, Rt. 299, New Paltz
* Government Shelter, 2 Elting Court, Ellenville
* Middlehope Firehouse, 9W, Middlehope
* Dan Leghorn Engine Co., Rt .52, Lakeside Road, Newburgh
* East End Fire Dept. Rt. 9D, Swenson Drive, Wappingers Falls
* Fishkill Town Hall, Rt. 52, Fishkill
As of Friday evening, Central Hudson had distributed 35,000 pounds of dry ice and 2,000 bottles of water to customers in need. That distribution will continue as long as needed.
Customers are also advised to be prepared with adequate supplies of non-perishable food, water and medications on hand in the event their power is interrupted. If power is lost, those customers with access to a computer or compatible cell phone should report their power condition via the website at the address above where they can also access information regarding the extent of outages; once service restoration estimates become available, they will be found on the website.
Customers may also contact the utility by calling (845) 452-2700 or 1 (800) 527-2714 to report a power outage, but they are encouraged to use the automated reporting system to do so. In some locations, localized telephone landline trunk limitations have caused some customers to receive automatic busy signals when dialing in, and they are asked to report via a computer if possible or try again via telephone at a later time.
Customers are also reminded to check on frail or elderly neighbors, relatives or friends - including any who may rely on electrically operated life-sustaining equipment - and encourage them to seek alternate shelter, as it may take several days before their power is restored.
All local residents are reminded to stay clear of downed or sagging wires - they could be lethal. As fallen wires may be hidden by trees or debris, extreme caution should be used when moving through an outage zone. If a power line falls on a vehicle, occupants should stay inside and wait for rescue crews. Customers should not heat their homes with an unvented heater, gas range or any similar appliance, as they can produce deadly carbon monoxide. Generators should be operated only in a vented, dry location; outdoor gas grills should never be used to heat indoors because they pose a fire hazard and can give off deadly carbon monoxide gas.
For updates, safety tips, list of shelter locations and more information on how to prepare for storms, visit
www.CentralHudson.com.
