A powerful storm sweeping through New Hampshire on Saturday has left tens of thousands of residents without electricity, prompting safety warnings and emergency measures.
As the storm continued its assault on the state, numerous customers found themselves in the dark, facing disruptions to their daily lives. According to the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, over 39,000 customers were without power as of 8:30 p.m.
In response to the outages, utility companies have urged affected individuals to report their outage status promptly. Residents are advised to contact their respective utility providers, including Eversource, Liberty Utilities, New Hampshire Electric Co-op, and Unitil, to report outages and receive updates on restoration efforts.
However, amidst the blackout, safety remains paramount. Residents are cautioned to steer clear of downed power lines, which may still be live and pose a significant risk. If encountered, individuals are advised to report such instances immediately by dialing 911.
Furthermore, with the use of generators likely to increase during power outages, officials emphasize the importance of proper installation and operation. Generators should only be utilized if they have been correctly connected to house wiring by a professional. Additionally, generators must be operated outdoors and positioned at least 10 feet away from buildings, with exhaust directed away from the house.
Authorities also warn of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning associated with improperly installed or operated generators. Anyone suspecting carbon monoxide presence in their home or building is urged to evacuate immediately and contact emergency services, followed by the state poison center for assistance.
The storm, which brought a mix of snow and rain to the region, has disrupted the first weekend of spring for many New Hampshire residents. As crews work tirelessly to restore power, officials advise residents to prioritize safety and remain vigilant during this challenging time.
Director Robert Buxton of the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division reiterated the importance of safety precautions during power outages, urging residents to stay informed and cautious until normalcy is restored.