NATIONAL GRID OFFERS TIPS FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Western MA has experienced unprecedented severe weather events over the last several years.

National Grid (NG) reminds customers to plan ahead, be prepared, and stay safe in the event of an emergency.

During National Emergency Preparedness Month in September, NG continues its own efforts to improve its emergency preparedness plans and wants to remind customers to plan ahead and prepare for emergencies.

Taking action now, before an emergency strikes, will help customers efficiently and safely manage crises that can upset their daily routines.

“Our top priority for customers is safety. During National Emergency Preparedness Month, NG is reminding our customers about the importance of planning for emergencies in advance so they know what they need to do to take care of themselves and their families, and to help others in their communities,” said Marcy Reed, president, NG-Massachusetts.

“The storms that impacted our region over the last several years caused significant damage and devastated communities. Our customers’ preparedness was critical to NG’s response and restoration efforts, and helped our crews make considerable strides in getting the lights back on quickly and safely.”

At NG, being prepared for emergencies is a priority. The company routinely reviews and enhances its emergency response plans and conducts drills and employee training to reinforce employees’ ability to contribute during storms and participate in service-restoration efforts.

“We know our customers depend on us, which is why we are continuously working hard to improve preparedness in every community we serve,” Ms. Reed said.

NG also continuously maintains and strengthens the reliability of its electric system. Additionally, the company has an award-winning vegetation management program that promotes tree maintenance to help minimize tree-related power outages or damage to the network – before storms hit – a leading cause of service interruptions.

NG offers the following tips to help customers prepare for emergencies:

-Build an emergency supply kit. Water, nonperishable food, first aid materials, prescriptions, flashlight and a battery-powered radio are a few of the items that are critical to include in an Emergency Supply Toolkit.

– A fully stocked toolkit and well-thought-out emergency plan could mean the difference between life and death.

-Emergency supply kits should include basic tools and survival items.

For a complete list of recommended Emergency Supply Toolkit items, visit www.ready.gov.

Emergencies and disasters occur without warning, which is why it’s important to have a plan, as well as supplies, for the different locations you and your family may frequent.

These locations include home, work, school, vehicles, places of worship, shopping areas and entertainment/sports locations like theaters and arenas.

-How will you get to a safe place?

-How will you contact one another?

-How will you get back together?

These are all important things to consider when creating your plan.

Plan for risks. Think about where you live and identify the hazards that have happened or could happen in your area.

If you live in an area that gets significant snowfall you may need to plan more for snowstorms. Depending upon the nature of the emergency and your circumstances, one of the first important decisions is whether to stay where you are or evacuate. No matter where you live, make sure you plan accordingly.

Know your community’s plan. Find out from local government how it communicates with residents in an emergency. This could be in the form of radio/TV broadcasts, telephone, door-to-door notifications or a community siren.

Get informed now so you can stay informed when it counts.

Stay connected to National Grid. at www.nationalgrid.com

Posted by George C. Jordan III on September 19, 2013. Filed under Community News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry