WALTHAM, MA - National Grid is closely monitoring the incoming cold temperatures forecast and will have crews on standby for the weekend. The cold snap is expected to bring sub-zero temperatures which will feel even colder with expected wind chills.

“We’re monitoring the weather reports and taking steps to make sure we’re ready to keep our customers warm and safe during this cold snap.  We urge our customers to stay indoors and be prepared for the frigid cold,” said Tanya Moniz-Witten, Vice President for Electric Operations for New England.

The company is prepared if the weather impacts the electricity and gas systems and is encouraging customers to keep safety a priority with the following reminders:

Cold Weather Safety

• In the event of a natural gas emergency or if you smell gas, call 911 or National Grid at 1-800-640-1595.
• If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.

• Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed lines should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-465-1212 or by calling 911. Click here for more information on downed power line safety.
• Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.
• Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-322-3223. In a medical emergency, always dial 911.
• Keep working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices in advance of the incoming weather.
• When using alternate heating sources, such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater, take the necessary safety precautions. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure everyone knows how to use it. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to remain safe.
• Use caution when driving near emergency responders and utility crews.

• Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance.
• Be aware of cold weather safety precautions, including knowing the signs of hypothermia, to help keep you and your family warm and safe.
• Click here for additional gas safety tips and here for more electricity safety and storm preparation tips.

Stay informed and connected

• Report power outages at www.nationalgridus.com or call 1-800-465-1212.
• Use your mobile device to track outage information and storm-related safety tips through National Grid’s mobile site accessible at www.ngrid.com/mobile.
• Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram; we post all the latest updates.
• Track outages and estimated restoration times at www.nationalgridus.com/outage-central
• To stay connected during storms and outages, text to 64743 using any of the below commands.
• REG to sign up for text alerts
• OUT to report an outage
• SUM followed by your town, county, or state to get a summary of outages in your area
• HELP for the full list of commands

Winter Energy and Money Saving Tips

• Find your comfort zone by lowering your thermostat to a level that keeps you warm and safe. Every degree a thermostat is reduced can save customers can between 1% and 3% annually in heating costs.
• Take advantage of the sun: Open drapes during the day to capture warmth and close them at night to prevent heat loss through windows.
• Change the direction of your ceiling fan to spin clockwise at the lowest setting. This will pull cool air toward the ceiling and redistribute the warm air that accumulates near the ceiling.
• Take advantage of programs that can help you pay and manage your winter energy bills through our Winter Customer Savings Initiative.

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