(NEWARK, N.J. – May 7, 2019) As powerful storms due to climate change create increased safety risks, Public Service Electric and Gas Company, New Jersey’s largest utility, reminds customers to pay attention to storm dangers and common hazards that can cause electrocution. May is National Electrical Safety Month.

“Safety is always our top priority. We encourage people to enjoy all of the comforts and convenience of electricity while paying attention to and avoiding potential hazards,” said Jack Bridges, PSE&G vice president-electric operations. “This is the perfect time of year to perform routine checks in homes and businesses to prevent electrical shocks, injuries and fires. Also, taking the time to brush up on emergency safety tips can save lives.”

Created by the Electrical Safety Foundation International, this year’s safety month theme is electrical safety during natural disasters, focusing on the importance of preparing for, weathering and rebuilding after disasters.

ESFI released this safety video in conjunction with the month. The video offers safety tips including: charge all phones and other communication devices before a storm hits, and then unplug and move electronics as high as possible to avoid damage from flooding. Also, turn off the main power breaker that feeds the home to prevent electrical surges to wiring and equipment.

PSE&G offers the tips below and has additional electrical safety tips and a safety education program for children on nj.pseg.com. 

Stay away from downed wires:

Any downed wires (PSE&G’s, cable, telephone, etc.) always should be considered “live.” Stay at least 30 feet away from downed wires. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything with which it might be in contact. If a wire falls on or near your car, stay inside the car, call 911, and do not get out until PSE&G de-energizes the line. If you MUST get out of the vehicle because it is on fire: jump as far as possible away from the vehicle, with both feet landing on the ground at the same time, keep feet as close together as possible and hop or shuffle away.

Other important safety notes:

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run gasoline-powered generators in a garage or an enclosed space.

If you are on life-sustaining medical equipment, ensure that you alert PSE&G and notify your local police and fire departments. For more information, visit pseg.com/life. Also, consider signing up for the state’s Register Ready, New Jersey’s special needs registry for disasters.

Stay connected with PSE&G:

• Compile a list of emergency phone numbers; include PSE&G Customer Service 1-800-436-PSEG. 
• Go to pseg.com/myaccount to sign up to report outages online and to check restoration progress.
• Go to pseg.com/outagecenter to check the “Outage Map,” which is updated every 15 minutes with PSE&G outage information, and to register for MyAlerts to receive text notifications.
• You can report an outage by texting “OUT” to 4PSEG (47734).
• “Like” PSEG on Facebook and follow PSEG on Twitter @PSEGdelivers.

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PSE&G
Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state’s population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability as well as the 2018 Outstanding Customer Reliability Experience Award. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company. PSEG has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 11 consecutive years.