Utilities need to improve emergency response

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July 9, 2012

Utilities need to improve emergency response

Anonymous Daily Star The Daily Star Sat Sep 22, 2012, 03:36 PM EDT

With recent severe weather hitting many parts of the Mid-Atlantic region with power outages and sweltering temperatures, we should be grateful for not facing the brunt of the storm this time around.

Some people in that area are surviving on generators to run their refrigerators and air conditioners, while others are forced out of their homes to cooling shelters or outside to find relief. Power has been out for many for a week or more.

The summer storms and their effects call to mind similar problems that our area faced in the wake of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee last year and the need to find better solutions.

New York State Electric and Gas Corp. and other utilities that serve our area must improve their methods for restoring power by formulating more-effective plans in case we face another bout of flooding or damaging severe weather, according at a recent report on storm response by the state Public Service Commission.

That includes improved restoration performances, emergency preparation and communication with customers, public officials and the media.

The report said some of those who lost power in late August went eight days without electricity restoration, with information updated on NYSEG's website only once a day with estimates of when power would be available.

Not only should information updates online be more frequent, but NYSEG also should consider using other methods of notifying customers and others.

This notification system could be similar to a new service launched by the National Weather Service to update smartphone users via text messages about severe weather.

The Wireless Emergency Alerts system will send a blanket warning to mobile devices in the path of tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, flash flooding and other threats. A warning can be issued for a specific county and will cause phones to sound a special tone and vibrate. The system does not require sign-ups or payment for the text message.

NYSEG could employ a smartphone text messaging service similar to this to let customers in an area know how long the power will be out. The utility also could use the service in other situations, such as warning of downed trees and lines impeding power delivery or travel.

As we request improvements from NYSEG, we should also keep in mind ways to help ourselves and each other if severe weather does strike. This includes having an emergency supply kit with a first aid kit, medical information and prescriptions, flashlight, battery-powered radio, clothes, important documents, bottled water, spare batteries and nonperishable food. Also, follow instructions given by weather and safety officials, and seek shelter as soon as possible.