Tips to Weather the Storm

by M.C. Millman

 Tonight's storm is expected to bring heavy rains and high winds. 

 Being prepared can help residents weather the storm safely. In order to prevent power outages and recover from them as rapidly as possible, Orange & Rockland offers the following tips. 

• Make sure contact information is up to date. Update your phone number, email, and mailing address online here. 
• Sign up for text updates by texting REG to OUTAGE (688243).
• Let O&R know if someone in the household uses life-support equipment here or call 1-877-434-4100, weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Telecommunications Relay Service is available for the hearing impaired by calling 711.
• Make sure you're prepared to weather the storm by having essential items on hand, including flashlights with fresh batteries and a battery-operated radio. Cell phones and other electronic devices should be fully charged. 
• Turning the freezer and refrigerator to the coldest setting before a storm will keep food cool longer during a power outage.
• Stock up on bottled water and fill the bathtub and spare containers.
• Protect major appliances, computers, and other electronically sensitive equipment by unplugging them or using a surge protector.
• Fill the car with gas ahead of the storm as well.

In case of a power outage, have your name, address, telephone number, and O&R account number handy when calling O&R at 1-877-434-4100 to request assistance. Before placing the call, note the exact location of any hazardous conditions, such as downed wires or broken poles.

To view an estimate of when power will be restored, check out O&R's Outage Map or, for those registered, watch for a text with pertinent updates specific for your location.