CMP Offers Seasonal Storm Preparation Tips
CMP News
Central Maine Power Company, 83 Edison Drive, Augusta, ME 04336 (207) 622-NEWS
Corporate Communications - corpcomm@cmpco.com
Release: Immediate
Media Contact: Gail Rice (207) 622 NEWS
CMP Offers Seasonal Storm Preparation Tips
AUGUSTA, Maine, June 12, 2014 " Central Maine Power Co., a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA, urges customers to be prepared in case tropical weather or severe summer thunderstorms cause power interruptions.
"Hurricane season runs from June through November, and the hot, humid weather of summer will occasionally spawn severe thunderstorms with high winds, heavy rain, and even hail. These conditions can cause damage to our electric delivery system," says CMP spokesperson Gail Rice. "While there is no such severe weather in our forecasts right now, CMP remains prepared, and we urge customers to be ready, too."
CMP offers customers the following tips to prepare for severe summer storms and stay safe and comfortable if power outages do occur.
- Before a storm strikes:
- Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
- Make sure that smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices are fully charged.
- Fill your car's fuel tank.
During a power interruption:
- To report a power interruption, contact CMP at 1.800.696.1000. Our telephone system automatically creates a work order and sets the stage for dispatch of crews to the outage location.
- Never use grills or camp stoves indoors " they can give off dangerous gases.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours or longer if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.
For customers with generators:
- Hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.
- Make sure portable generators are properly grounded.
- Carefully read and observe all instructions in your generator's operating manual.
- Never run a generator indoors, or even in an open garage.
- Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it's running.
- Refer to CMP's web page on generator safety: Generator Safety
The company urges customers to use caution if they see downed lines.
"Everyone should stay clear of any downed power lines or fallen trees that may be tangled in the lines," said Rice. "All downed lines should be considered live and dangerous. Customers should leave the clean-up to our crews, who are trained and equipped to handle these situations safely."
CMP also reminds drivers to use caution when approaching utility crews. The working conditions are difficult, and the workers appreciate everyone's consideration for their safety.
Additional information on storm safety and restoration, including a town-by-town listing of outages in the CMP service area with an area map, can be found on CMP's web site at www.cmpco.com.
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About Central Maine Power Company (CMP): Central Maine Power Company, a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA, is Maine's largest electricity transmission and distribution utility. The company delivers about 9 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually to more than 600,000 homes and businesses, representing about 80% of Maine's annual consumer sales of electricity. The company has been ranked #1 in customer satisfaction six times by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit www.cmpco.com/.
About Iberdrola USA: Iberdrola USA is the U.S. subsidiary of global energy leader Iberdrola, S.A. The Iberdrola USA companies employ about 5,000 people with operations in 24 states from New England to the West Coast, providing electricity generation, transmission and distribution, natural gas storage and distribution, and energy services. For more information, please visit our website: www.iberdrolausa.com. Follow us on Twitter: @IberdrolaUSA
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