Central Maine Power Company is getting ready for a winter storm to hit Maine Tuesday. CMP has equipped and fueled utility trucks, and CMP personnel are holding periodic pre-storm planning sessions to discuss staffing levels and finalize storm-response plans. Waldo County Emergency Management Agency said Monday morning to prepare for potential extended power outages, just in case.

“We’ve put our storm response plan into motion, and we’re watching the forecast closely,” said Gail Rice, CMP spokesperson, in a new release. “High winds are always a concern, and while the snow is expected to be dry and less likely to coat tree limbs and wires, it could still create tough travel and working conditions. So we’re getting crews, equipment, and materials in place to respond.”

The Waldo County Emergency Management Agency said Monday morning, Jan. 26, that residents should “prepare now for potential extended regional power outages. If needed a shelter will be activated following the storm when it is safe to be on the roads again.”

Prepare now with water, food, and heated shelter, the Waldo County EMA said. “Do not use non-vented heaters or generators inside - they can produce carbon monoxide, which can kill. Consider staying with family or friends today if you cannot provide water, food, heat, or need electricity for medical devices.

Call 338-3870 for more information or 911 if you have a true emergency. Please do not call 911 for information. Call 211 to find out if a red cross shelter has been activated.

CMP is coordinating its storm preparation efforts with other utilities in the North Atlantic Mutual Assistance Group, or NAMAG. It is also lining up contract crews to assist local crews if the storm causes widespread damage. CMP is also keeping the Maine Emergency Management Agency apprised on preparation efforts.

Before a storm strikes

·Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and nonperishable foods.
·Make sure that smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices are fully charged.
·Fill your car’s fuel tank.

During a power interruption

·To report a power interruption, contact CMP at 1.800.696.1000. The telephone system automatically creates a work order and sets the stage for dispatch of crews to the outage location.
·When using an emergency heating source, like a wood stove, fireplace, or kerosene heater, keep fuels away from the flames and be sure to ventilate properly.
·Never use grills or camp stoves indoors — they can give off dangerous gases.
·Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours or longer if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.

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.
·Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it’s running.
·Refer to CMP’s web page on generator safety: http://www.cmpco.com/UsageAndSafety/electricalsafety/GeneratorSafety/default.html 

 Use caution around downed lines
 
“Everyone should stay clear of any downed power lines or fallen trees that may be tangled in the lines,” said Rice. “All downed lines should be considered live and dangerous. Customers should leave the clean-up to our crews, who are trained and equipped to handle these situations safely.”

CMP also reminds drivers to use caution when approaching utility crews. The working conditions are difficult, and the workers appreciate everyone’s consideration for their safety.

Additional information on storm safety and restoration, including a town-by-town listing of outages in the CMP service area with an area map, is on CMP’s website at cmpco.com. 

• For a complete list of area closings, cancellations and postponements, click to view this page. To add your update, send email to news@penbaypilot.com. 

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657