CL&P Makes Preparations for Irene, Advises Caution

Connecticut Light & Power says it is taking extraordinary measures to prepare for the arrival and aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

“We plan for the worst and hope for the best," CL&P president Jeff Butler said in a statement. "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 standby."

"Our customers need to be ready too," Butler added. "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 issued the following preparedness tips:

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