Take these easy steps to stay safe during hurricanes

AUGUSTA, Maine - The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season is officially under way, and Central Maine Power is reminding customers that now is a good time to update emergency plans, assemble storm kits and review safety guidelines.

"Storm preparedness is one of our highest priorities, and planning for storms and other emergencies is something we do year-round," said Sara Burns, CMP's president and CEO. "It's also important for customers and their families to know what to do in order to stay safe and comfortable in case a storm causes prolonged loss of electricity or other utility services."

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a more-active-than-usual season, with a likelihood of 11 to 17 named storms (sustained winds of 39 mph or higher), of which five to nine could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including two to four major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or higher).

Plan Ahead:

· CMP Outage Alerts service provides automatic updates about power interruptions affecting a customer's home or business via text message, e-mail, voice mail, or any combination of the three. The service also provides estimated restoration times and confirmation when power is restored. Customers can enroll in Outage Alerts athttps://www.cmpco.com/.

· Customers should have flashlights, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio or TV, a manual can-opener, a battery-operated clock, and spare batteries on hand.

· Keep supplies of drinking water and non-perishable food available.

· Keep mobile phones, tablets, and other devices charged. Store key contact information in your device and keep a paper copy for back-up.

· People who rely on electric-powered life-support or medical-monitoring equipment should develop a backup plan in case an extended power outage occurs. They can also sign up for CMP's Lifeflight program by calling 1.800.750.4000. CMP representatives provide Lifelight participants with information and helpful tips during extended power outages.

· Consult CMP's web site for additional tips on storm preparation and safety:http://www.cmpco.com/Outages/storm_safety.html

Report Problems and Get Information:

· Report outages at CMP's Outage Central site: https://ecmp.cmpco.com/WebOutage/.

· Outage information - including estimated restoration times - is available athttp://www.cmpco.com/outages/outageinformation.html.

· Outage Central is mobile friendly and lists information by county and town and on an interactive map.

· Customers can also report outages and get information at the company's toll-free number: 1.800.696.1000.

Be safe

· Always assume downed power lines are live and dangerous, so stay clear of them.

· Stay out of flooded basements and call CMP at 1.800.696.1000 to have service turned off.

· For customers with generators:

• Hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.
• Properly ground all portable generators.
• Carefully read and observe all instructions in your generator's operating manual.
• Never run a generator indoors, or even in an open garage.
• If your carbon monoxide detector goes off - get out of the building immediately and call 911.
• Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it's running.

o Refer to CMP's web page on generator safety:http://www.cmpco.com/UsageAndSafety/electricalsafety/GeneratorSafety/default.html