PSE&G Prepares for Storm

PSE&G, the state's largest utility, has issued a release telling customers that they are prepared for the coming storm. Additional crews and equipment are available to restore service in the event of outages due to heavy rain and potentially damaging wind gusts that are expected to affect its service territory beginning late tonight into tomorrow morning.

To report downed wires or power outages, call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. If you get an automated response when calling PSE&G, the utility company encourages you to use it, because it has been designed to route calls to the right destination quickly. However, if you have specific information regarding damage to wires, transformers or poles, PSE&G asks that you speak directly with a representative to provide them with that information. 

Customers with a smartphone or tablet, can view the status of their area's outage by logging into My Account at pseg.com. General outage activity throughout PSE&G's service territory is available online atwww.pseg.com/outagecenter and updates are posted on pseg.com during severe weather.

PSE&G wants customers to be particularly careful if they see a downed wire. Downed wires should always be considered “live.”  STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES.  Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with. 

PSE&G said that if a wire falls on your vehicle while you are driving, stay inside the vehicle until help arrives. To report a downed wire, call 1-800-436-PSEG and tell PSE&G the nearest cross street.

PSE&G said that in the event of large outages, priority customers such as hospitals, police stations, fire stations, water and sewer facilities, communications facilities (TV, radio, and telephone), and customers on life-sustaining medical equipment are responded to first.

Once priority customers have restored power, the utility company focuses on restoring power to downed circuits serving the largest number of customers. 

Remember to always keep an emergency kit on hand. Here are some things that PSE&G recommends that you keep in your kit:

• A battery-powered radio. 
• A corded telephone (cordless phones will not work if the power is out)
• Flashlights and extra fresh batteries.
• A first-aid kit.
• Bottled water and an adequate supply of non-perishable food.
• A non-electric can opener.
• Matches and candles with holders.
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags.
• A list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires.