National Preparedness Month: NYSEG and RG&E Share Storm Safety and Outage Preparedness Tips
September is National Preparedness Month
Companies remind customers that preparation before severe weather can improve safety and reduce disruptions
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — September 17, 2026 — As part of National Preparedness Month, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) encourage customers to take steps to help ensure they are prepared in the event of an outage.
“We are quickly approaching the time of year where storms and other extreme weather can cause significant interruptions,” said Patricia Nilsen, CEO of NYSEG and RG&E. “Preparedness is one of the most important steps our customers can take to stay safe during an outage. We’re committed to restoring service as quickly and safely as possible. During National Preparedness Month, we encourage our customers to plan ahead. Doing so can help you and your loved ones weather any disruption with confidence.”
Before a storm strikes:
- Utilize our free mobile apps to report and check the status of outages in your area. To download the application, customers should search “AVANGRID” in the Apple or Android app stores and select “NYSEG” or “RG&E”. The application is free to download.
- Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or email as the Companies update the status of the restoration progress in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for NYSEG and here for RG&E.
- Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
- Make sure that smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices are fully charged.
- Fill your car’s fuel tank.
Stay Away from Downed Wires:
- Stay at least 30 feet from a downed power line.
- If a downed wire comes in contact with your vehicle, stay inside and wait for help. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, jump clear of the vehicle to avoid any contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and hop with feet together or shuffle away; don’t run or stride.
- NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1131 and RG&E customers should call 1.800.743.1701 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.
During a Power Interruption:
- Contact neighbors to see if their power is off. A loss of power may be the result of a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.
- To report a power interruption, contact NYSEG at 1.800.572.1131 or RG&E at 1.800.743.1701.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.
Power Restoration Priorities:
The Companies’ first priorities are to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. NYSEG customers are asked to call 1.800.572.1131 and RG&E customers are asked to call at 1.800.743.1701 to report downed wires. Once this vital public safety work is complete, the Companies will:
- Assess the damage to the electricity delivery system.
- Develop a detailed restoration plan.
- Make repairs as quickly as possible.
For additional information, including storm preparation tips, storm safety information, generator safety information, restoration priorities and emergency resources, visit Outage Central at NYSEG.com or RGE.com and on the Companies’ social media pages:
- Facebook: @NYSEandG
- Twitter: @NYSEandG
- Instagram: @nyseg.co
- Facebook: @RochGandE
- Twitter: @RGandE
- Instagram: @rochestergasandelectric
Media Contact
Michael Baggerman