CMP prepared for strong winter storm

(B/Roll) CMP prepares field storm kits as crews pre-stage across service area

 

Thousands of customers have already had their power restored as of Saturday afternoon

Augusta, ME — December 11, 2024 — Central Maine Power (CMP) is prepared for a winter storm forecasted to bring strong, southerly winds, ice and rain to Maine today and extending into Thursday. Crew pre-staging is occurring across the utility’s service area.

 

Wind gusts may exceed 50 miles per hour during this storm, which may result in significant tree damage in some areas. 

 

With the storm’s expected arrival later today, equipment and materials are being deployed to support the company’s regional service centers across the state. This includes the preparation of storm kits for CMP field crews that include items commonly needed for storm restoration including fuses, wire, and extra field equipment. 

 

In every storm, CMP assists local emergency management agencies should road closures occur. For safety, CMP crews are prohibited from raising bucket trucks when windspeeds are greater than 30 mph.

 

B/Roll of CMP crews preparing trucks and equipment for this storm and a delivery of storm field kits to the company’s Portland Service Building. 

 

This video was taken on 12/11/2024 in Portland, Maine. News media may use this video rights-free.
 

Tips and Reminders for Customers:

Customers can report outages quickly and easily, and track restoration times, using the CMP mobile app. Download from the App Store or text APP to 267.898 for a downloadable link. Customers may also enroll in Outage Alerts to stay informed in the event they lose power.

Customers may find storm preparation tips and a checklist on the CMP website.
 

CMP reminds customers to remember the following if they have lost power:

  • Stay away from downed lines. No line is safe to touch.    
  • Turn off or unplug major appliances and sensitive electronics.
  • Never use ranges or outdoor stoves to heat your home.
  • If you need shelter or food, reach out to 211 for available resources.

If customers lose service:

  • For fast outage reporting, use the CMP mobile app or visit Outage Central.
  • Keep sensitive electronic appliances such as computers, TVs and stereos plugged into a surge protector, or unplug them. They could be damaged if a power surge occurs when electricity is restored.  
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. For information about food safety, visit http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/refridg_food.html. 

For customers with generators

 

  • Hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.
  • Properly ground all portable generators.
  • Carefully read and observe all instructions in your generator’s operating manual.
  • Never run a generator indoors, or even in an open garage.
  • If your carbon monoxide detector goes off – get out of the building immediately and call 911.
  • Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it’s running.
  • Refer to CMP’s web page on generator safety.

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