CONCORD, N.H. – As of Saturday morning, approximately 15,000 power outages remain across the state. At its peak, over 35,000 outages were reported in more than 115 cities and towns statewide. Hundreds of utility crews are working around the clock to assess the damage and restore power.
Power utility providers expect the majority of outages to be restored by this evening, but for anyone without power, take time now to prepare for an outage possibly lasting into Sunday.
“Before temperatures drop to dangerous lows tonight, everyone is encouraged to take time to prepare,” said state Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jennifer Harper. “Have a plan so you know what to do and where to go should temperatures in your home get too cold.”
NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management is working closely with the Public Utilities Commission to monitor outages and provide resources to affected communities as needed. During outages, the Public Utilities Commission continuously monitors utility issues and works closely with all agencies involved in the coordinated restoration effort.
“Power utility crews have been working around the clock to restore power to all affected areas,” Public Utilities Commission Chairwoman Dianne Martin said. “Given the forecasted winds and cold temperatures today, we expect the number of outages to fluctuate, but be assured that Commission safety staff and power crews remain working to restore all outages.”
Customers are reminded to report outages to their utility provider at least once daily until power is restored:
Eversource............................. 1-800-662-7764
Liberty Utilities..................... 1-855-349-9455
NH Electric Co-Op................ 1-800-343-6432
Unitil..................................... 1-888-301-7700
Harper and Martin ask that everyone check on friends and neighbors when it is safe to do so, especially the elderly or those who may need additional assistance. Follow these tips to help stay safe until power is restored:
- Visit ReadyNH.gov to learn more about keeping safe during emergencies.
- Signup for NH Alerts, the State’s emergency notification system to receive location-specific safety information. Also, download the app for iPhone and Android devices.
- Monitor National Weather Service radio or broadcast weather reports to keep track of changing conditions.
- If you encounter a downed power line, stay away and call 9-1-1.
- Do not use a gas range or oven as an alternative source of heat.
- If you use a generator, do NOT run it inside a home or garage, and ensure it is at least 20 feet away from any doors, windows or vents.
- Electric power outages can affect gas furnaces and other appliances. Call a professional for service if you experience any issues. If you smell gas, have everyone leave the building and call 9-1-1 immediately. Stay outside until help arrives.
The US Department of Agriculture notes that your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power. A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours or 24 hours if it is half-full as long as the door remains closed. Never taste food to determine its safety. When in doubt, throw it out!
For emergencies, call 9-1-1. If you can’t call, you can text 9-1-1 for emergencies in New Hampshire.