Submitted by Jamie Ratliff, Eversource Energy
(June 4, 2024) — With the start of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting an above-normal hurricane season, Eversource is reminding customers about the importance of preparing and planning for severe weather.
NOAA is forecasting up to twenty-five named storms this season – of those, up to thirteen could become hurricanes with winds seventy-four mph or higher. The changing climate is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather around the globe, including here in New England. Eversource works year-round to strengthen the electric grid through upgrades, maintenance, and proactive vegetation management to enhance reliability for customers.
“Extreme weather poses a serious threat all year, and our team is always ready to respond to whatever may come our way – especially during hurricane season,” said Eversource President of Electric Operations in Connecticut Steve Sullivan. “We work all year long to make the electric system more resilient to the changing climate, including installing stronger poles and thicker wires, actively patrolling our circuits, and addressing hazardous trees that may threaten the grid, while also investing in new, smart technologies that can help shorten the amount of time a home or business is without power.”
With trees causing more than 90% of power outages during storms, trimming and removing hazard trees that threaten overhead electric lines is crucial to providing customers with reliable power in all types of weather. The energy company’s comprehensive year-round tree trimming program is fundamental to emergency preparedness.
“Close collaboration and coordination with emergency management, public safety officials, first responders and community leaders are crucial, especially during storms, and we’re constantly refining our planning and emergency response processes to execute the best possible storm response for our customers,” added Sullivan. “We’re ready for another hurricane season, and we want to make sure our customers are well prepared, too.”
“Every storm has the potential to cause severe impacts. State and local emergency management officials are regularly planning, training, and preparing for the next emergency,’’ said Brenda Bergeron, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “Now is the time for state residents to prepare for any upcoming weather event that may affect the state, including a severe thunderstorm, tropical storm or hurricane. For example, if you live along the shoreline or in other flood prone areas, know the evacuation routes for your community.”
Eversource offers several simple tips and steps customers can take to help prepare for hurricane season at home – before, during and after a storm. The energy company provides a storm safety checklist and encourages customers to always have an emergency plan in place, assemble a storm kit with essential items, plan a meeting place for family members, and be ready to check on neighbors.
Customers can also download Eversource’s mobile app or sign up for the company’s two-way texting to report and check outages in the event they do occur.
For more information on Eversource’s emergency preparedness efforts and restoration process, visit Eversource.com.
