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JAMESTOWN, NY (WNY News Now) — With damaging winds expected to hit Western New York on Wednesday. Local power companies and emergency managers are at the ready.
On the heels of last weekend’s severe weather, which brought bouts of rain, lighting, and high winds, power companies are still shaken up. But prepared to tackle whatever mother nature throws our way today.
“The fire service will always muster up to the calls given to them,“ explained Noel Guttman, Chautauqua County Director of Emergency Services. “Our office has been in contact with National Grid and NYSEG, who have been in very good communication with me in the last storm, and up to this one. They’re prepositioning assets that will come in hand with the fire service to restore power.”
When dealing with severe weather, it is imperative to be prepared.
“Having bottled water on hand is always a good idea,“ said AVANGRID Public Information Officer Stacy Bartl. “A full tank of gas, having battery powered flashlights and radios, just as a precaution, having that on hand as well. Signing up for outage alerts on our social media nad web pages is always good.”
Those with National Grid also mirror this mindset.
“Make sure your phone is charged leading up to this afternoon when the winds are supposed to pick up and increase in speed,“ explained National Grid Spokesman David Bertola. “Make sure you have some flashlights with some fresh batteries, for overnight. And make sure that you’re checking on your family members and neighbors who might need some assistance.
“If you don’t have surge protectors on your appliances and your equipment,“ stated Bartl. “The power goes out, it never hurts to turn things off, just in case when it comes back, if there is that unavoidable power surge. Things beyond our control.”
In addition, it’s imperative to stay clear of downed power lines and wires. The best advice is to call authorities and report the hazard.
If it is safe to do so, viewers can also share storm damage photos and videos to our team on social media WNY News Now or via email to NewsDesk@WNYNewsNow.com.
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