Con Edison says it's prepared for widespread power outages that could result from this weekend’s winter storm.
A Con Ed spokesperson tells News 12 that its trucks and crews are prepped and ready to go, with 200 out of state crews on hand for additional help if necessary.
The utility says its concerns involve both its overhead and underground systems. Once snow and rain are falling, hanging power lines can be damaged, and the road salt could seep through the ground and eat the underground lines.
The utility says, however, that the biggest concern that could delay power restoration is the wind.
Crews will not be sent out in bucket trucks to do bucket word when it is extremely windy. Con Edison will have to wait for a safe wind level in order to send employees out to work.
The utility company advises residents to prepare themselves for an outage by:
- Having a lights-out kit that is well stocked and ready, including flashlights and fresh batteries
- Turning the refrigerator to the coldest setting
- Stocking up on bottled water
- Unplugging major appliances or use a surge protector