Potential for Power Outages: What to Do Before, During and After an Outage

Image: Maximum Forecast Wind Gusts, National Weather Service

By Linda Bock (Patch Staff)

Strong winds from the ongoing blizzard may cause power outages in eastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds: Sunday into Sunday night, high confidence for northerly winds of 40 to 50 mph across the interior of the state, 50 to 60 mph along the coast as well as Bristol and Plymouth counties, 60 to70 mph for Plymouth coast, the upper Cape and Martha’s Vineyard, and 70 mph plus (hurricane force) for the outer Cape and Nantucket. Strongest winds expected around midday Sunday, according to NWS forecasters.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency offers some ways to prepare for a potential power outage during a power outage, and after a power outage:

Before an Outage

• Keep your cell phone, laptop and other electronics fully charged.
• If Your Power Goes Out
• Do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages, report it to your utility. DO call 9-1-1 to report downed wires.
• Check in on friends, family, and neighbors, particularly those most susceptible to extreme temperatures and power outages such as seniors and those with access and functional needs.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines when using a generator. Always use outdoors, away from windows and doors.

During an Outage

• Do not call 9-1-1 to report your power outage or to ask for information, use 9-1-1 only for emergencies. Call your utility company to report the outage and get restoration information.
• National Grid 1-800-465-1212
• Eversource (formerly NSTAR) 1-800-592-2000
• Eversource (formerly WMECO) 877-659-6326
• Unitil (FG&E) 888-301-7700
• Customers served by a municipal utility in their community should locate their utility’s phone # to report outages

After a Power Outage

• Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or moved downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them.
• Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences. Always assume a downed line is a live line. Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem such as downed wires.
• Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!

A blizzard warning will be in effect until 7 a.m. Monday morning, according to the NWS.