PSE&G Urges Customers To Prepare for Continued Extreme Heat and Potential Thunderstorms Through the Holiday Weekend
Patricia Chen · Union County Life
PSE&G has issued a weather alert for customers in Plainfield and across its service territory. Extreme heat will continue through Saturday evening, followed by potential thunderstorms over the holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning through Saturday evening. Isolated thunderstorms are possible Friday afternoon. A greater risk of widespread thunderstorms exists Saturday with additional storms possible Sunday, primarily across southern New Jersey. Strong winds accompanying these storms can bring down trees and power lines, resulting in localized power outages.
PSE&G has increased staffing and positioned crews across its service territory to respond to any outages. Additional appliance service technicians are available for air conditioning system repairs.
"We continue to closely watch the forecast and are prepared to respond to any impacts from the extreme heat and forecasted thunderstorms this holiday weekend," said Paul Toscarelli, Vice President of Electric Operations at PSE&G. "We've increased staffing, positioned crews across the service territory and secured the critical materials needed to respond safely and restore service as quickly as possible if outages occur."
Union County Life is providing weather and utility alerts from PSE&G and other public safety notifications across all 21 Union County municipalities.
PSE&G's call center is prepared to handle increased call volume. Customers should prepare now for the heat and storms.
Stay hydrated. Avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
Charge phones, medical devices, and backup batteries before storms arrive. Secure outdoor furniture. Keep flashlights and fresh batteries readily available.
Do not operate gasoline powered generators inside a home, garage, or other enclosed space. This causes carbon monoxide poisoning.
Downed wires should always be considered live. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines. Contact PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) to report them.
Customers who rely on electricity for life sustaining medical equipment should notify PSE&G in advance. Visit pseg.com/life or call 1-800-436-7734.
For more information about storm safety and preparation, visit pseg.com/StormSafety. Customers can report outages by phone at 1-800-436-7734 or online at pseg.com.
Stay informed about PSE&G alerts, weather updates, and community safety on Union County Life.
FAQQ: How long will the extreme heat warning last?
A: The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning through Saturday evening. After Saturday, thunderstorms are forecasted for the holiday weekend, with additional storms possible Sunday primarily across southern New Jersey.
Q: What should I do to prepare for extreme heat?
A: Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles. PSE&G recommends preparing for potential air conditioning system repairs by calling for technician support early if needed.
Q: What thunderstorms are forecast for the holiday weekend?
A: Isolated thunderstorms are possible Friday afternoon. A greater risk of widespread thunderstorms exists Saturday with additional storms possible Sunday, primarily across southern New Jersey. Strong winds can bring down trees and power lines, resulting in localized power outages.
Q: How should I prepare for potential power outages?
A: Charge phones, medical devices, and backup batteries before storms arrive. Secure outdoor furniture. Keep flashlights and fresh batteries readily available. If you rely on electricity for life sustaining medical equipment, notify PSE&G in advance at pseg.com/life or 1-800-436-7734.
Q: What should I do if I see a downed power line?
A: Downed wires should always be considered live. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines. Contact PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) to report them. Do not touch or approach downed wires.
Q: Is it safe to use a generator during storms and heat?
A: Generators can be used during outages, but never operate gasoline powered generators inside a home, garage, or other enclosed space. This causes carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. Use generators only outdoors in well ventilated areas.
Q: How can I report a power outage?
A: Contact PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) or report online at pseg.com. PSE&G's call center is prepared to handle increased call volume during severe weather.
Q: Where can I find more storm preparation information?
A: Visit pseg.com/StormSafety for complete storm safety and preparation guidance. For medical equipment customers, visit pseg.com/life. Union County Life covers PSE&G alerts and community safety news. Subscribe to the Plainfield newsletter for updates.