As Hurricane Irene Strengthens, CL&P is Getting Ready – Are You?

With Hurricane Irene expected to impact Connecticut this weekend, Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) is implementing its communication and restoration plans to respond to storm issues as quickly and safely as possible. 

“We plan for the worst and hope for the best," said Jeff Butler, president and chief operating officer, CL&P.  "CL&P has a comprehensive plan to respond to Hurricane Irene-caused problems in Connecticut.  We are cancelling vacations and putting all of our people on stand-by.  Our parent company, Northeast Utilities is coordinating for us and our sister companies in Massachusetts and New Hampshire to secure both additional line crews and tree crews to expedite restoration.” 

“We’re also in close contact with town, state and emergency management officials to make sure all of our efforts are in sync,” said Butler.  "Our customers need to be ready too.  If current projections hold true, our state will be impacted by the storm this weekend and CL&P customers should prepare for potential power outages that could last a week or more in some areas." 

CL&P is encouraging its customers to be proactive and informed. Here are some tips to help prepare for whatever weather comes our way: 

Prepare a "storm kit" and keep it handy.  It should include:

• Flashlights with spare batteries
• A battery-operated radio or TV
• First-aid kit and medications
• Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated foods
• A manual can opener
• Bottled water
• Baby or pet supplies (if needed)
• Important phone numbers

Have a backup plan for life support equipment.  If you have life support equipment, you need a backup plan to cope with storm-related outages.  That plan should include:

• An alternate source of electric power such as a battery backup system, an uninterruptible power supply or a properly installed generator for the life support equipment
• Emergency telephone numbers (doctor, fire, police and ambulance)
• A procedure to vacate your home during a prolonged outage

Report your power outage by calling CL&P at 800-286-2000 or 860-947-2000 in the Hartford/Meriden area.  Our automated phone system rapidly processes your report and helps us speed restoration efforts.  It also provides restoration estimates as soon as they’re available.