Con Edison: newsroom - news release - Con Edison Adds Extra Crews, Prepares for Wind Storm

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Con Edison Media Relations
For Immediate Release: October 27, 2006
2:00 p.m.

CON EDISON ADDS EXTRA CREWS, PREPARES FOR WIND STORM

NEW YORK – Faced with forecasted gusting winds following heavy rain, Con Edison is substantially increasing its crews in Westchester County on Saturday to make repairs in case of storm damage. The company also is adding more customer service representatives to its call centers to answer customers' questions.

The National Weather Service forecasts up to three inches of rain by Saturday afternoon, followed by sustained winds of up to 25 mph with frequent gusts up to 45 mph on Sunday.

Customers are urged to call Con Edison immediately to report any outages at 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).

Based on that forecast, Con Edison will have approximately 350 people available throughout the weekend to deal with potential damage from the winds. The additional workers include skilled mechanics expert at making repairs to overhead equipment, safety personnel and damage assessors.

Con Edison also is assigning more than 400 support people, including people in the customer operations' group, who will be available to answer calls from customers reporting outages and damaged equipment.

Here are some tips to prepare for a storm:

Have a lights-out kit that is well stocked and handy, with a battery-operated radio or TV, several flashlights and a supply of fresh batteries.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings.
Protect your major appliances and any electronically-sensitive equipment, such as computers.
Stay indoors. If you must go outside, stay away from downed and dangling lines. Treat all downed lines as if they are live and dangerous.
If you use a portable generator, follow its life-saving instructions. Never operate a portable generator indoors.
For more storm tips and preparation, go to www.coned.com

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