PSE&G Prepared for Tropical Storm Hanna

PSE&G is monitoring weather forecasts and will dispatch crews according to the severity of the storm. Additional supplies, such as poles and pole top equipment, are available to aid restoration efforts.

A storm like the one predicted to affect our area has the potential to interrupt service. High winds might cause trees to brush up against power lines and lightning could strike trees or pole top equipment.

Typically, power is restored to the largest numbers of customers first, taking into account facilities that provide key public health and safety services such as hospitals, police stations and water and sewer plants. Customers are asked to be patient. Our crews will work as fast as safety allows. Before neighborhood lines can be worked on, our crews must first repair larger lines that bring power to neighborhoods.

Customers without power or who are aware of downed power wires should call 1-800-436-PSEG. It is important to stay away from downed power lines, as they could be energized and dangerous.

Customer reports of outages help PSE&G determine the scope of the problem and dispatch crews more effectively.

PSE&G urges customers to take the following precautions in the event of power outages:

    -- Charge your cell phone before the storm -- and anything else that needs
       to be charged.
    -- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.  Food
       will stay frozen between 36 and 48 hours in a full loaded freezer (24
       hours in a half-full freezer) if the door is closed.  Throw a heavy
       blanket over the refrigerator and freezer for extra insulation.
    -- Turn off lights and appliances to avoid overloading home circuits once
       power is restored.  Leave one light "on" so that you will know when
       power has been restored.  Unplug sensitive appliances (computers,
       VCR/DVDs microwaves, etc.) to avoid damage from voltage fluctuations.
    -- Don't attempt to repair the electrical system or pull tree limbs off
       lines. PSE&G crews are specially trained to perform this potentially
       dangerous work.
    -- Stay clear of areas with a lot of debris or downed trees because it
       could conceal an energized power line. Also stay clear of chain link
       fences which may be energized if touching a downed line.
    -- If you have an electric generator, please ensure that you have isolated
       your home or business from the utility electrical service lines by
       opening main breakers or other devices. Do not connect portable
       generators to your household electrical wiring. This can cause serious
       injury to you and to PSE&G employees working on the lines in your
       neighborhood. Connect only essential appliances -- such as freezers and
       refrigerators -- directly to the generator.
    -- If your power is off, turn off large appliances and air conditioners
       and wait 10 to 15 minutes after power has been restored before turning
       them back on.
    -- If there is damage to your meter or the line leading into the meter,
       you must first have an electrician make repairs before we can restore
       your service.
    -- If there is flooding in your home or business, we may be unable to
       restore electric service until the building is inspected by local
       officials.
    -- Stay off the roads, if possible, if there have been high winds and tree
       damage.  This will allow law enforcement and utilities to manage
       traffic and clear roadways.
    -- Use battery operated radios to receive up-to-date information.
    -- Use flashlights when possible.  If you are using candles, exercise
       extreme caution -- do not leave candles unattended and do not place
       near flammable materials (papers, curtains, etc.).
    -- Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors.  Both can cause a build-up
       of deadly carbon monoxide gas.


    If your basement is flooded:
    -- Water in the basement can put out the pilot light in a furnace or hot
       water heater. If water reaches the height of the gas burner on your
       water heater or gas heater, shut off the supply of gas to the unit if
       you know how.
    -- Otherwise, call PSE&G to turn off the gas.  PSE&G must turn the gas
       supply back on.
    -- If you lose electricity and your basement is flooded, call PSE&G.  Do
       not go into a flooded basement if energized wires are present.


    If you smell gas:
    -- Put out all open flames.  Don't light matches or lighters, and don't
       attempt to light any appliances.
    -- Don't touch electric switches, thermostats or appliance controls.  They
       can cause sparks.
    -- Open windows and outside doors for ventilation.
    -- If the odor is strong, don't stop to use your telephone or cell phone.
       Leave the building immediately and go to a safe nearby area until PSE&G
       arrives.

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) isNew Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG), a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).

SOURCE Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G)

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