BLIZZARD 2015: What You Need to Know

With the coming blizzard predicted by the National Weather Service to drop up to two feet of snow on Long Island, here’s a quick guide of who to turn to if you need help:

Q. Where do I report a power outage:

PSEG Long Island customers can report outages in one of four ways:

• Online: Report full or partial outages and downed power lines on their website here.
• Phone: Call 800-490-0075
• Text: Text the word “OUT” to PSEGLI (773454). This requires prior registration of your number by texting “REG” to 773454 or by visiting your account page online.
• Mobile site: From your smartphone, go to https://www.psegliny.com/ and find the Report an Outage option.

Q. Where do I report a problem with my natural gas service?

Call National Grid’s Long Island/Rockaways number at 1-800-490-0045.

Q. Where can I go if my home has no heat?

A. Check with your township officials for information on warming centers if you do not have a friend or relative you can stay with.

Do not try to heat your home with heat from a gas oven or stove, due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you have elderly friends, neighbors or relatives, be sure to check in on them and ensure they are safe and have heat and power. The risk of death due to cold is significantly higher for those 75 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Q. Will my town be picking up trash and recyclables?

A. Check with your town, but many have already postponed garbage and recycling pickup scheduled for Tuesday because trucks will be utilized for snow removal.

Q. Will I get mail delivery?

A. Whether mail gets delivered will likely depend on when the streets are clear enough for U.S. Postal Service personnel to get through.

In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

SHOVELING TIPS

When you go out to shovel, keep these safety tips from the National Safety Council in mind:

• Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful.
• If you have heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor’s permission.
• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
• Take it slow! Pace yourself. Be sure to stretch out and warm up before taking on the task.
• Shovel only fresh snow.
• Push the snow as you shovel.
• Do not pick up too much at once.
• Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break.
• Dress warmly.

Related:

• BLIZZARD WARNING: Crippling, Potentially Historic Storm Set to Strike Long Island
• Cuomo: LIRR, LIE May Shut Down Before Monday Evening Commute
• Hour-by-Hour Long Island Blizzard Forecast
• Long Island Red Cross Offers Storm-Related Safety Tips
• 5 of the Worst Blizzards in U.S. History

Sign up for your local Patch newsletter and breaking news alerts here