THINGS TO KNOW • Village of Wellsville Power Outage • Saturday, May 3, 2025 through Sunday May 4, 2025
National Grid and the Village of Wellsville Electric Department will be performing
transmission maintenance necessary to help prevent future electric outages.
The outage is estimated to last from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am Sunday, May 4.
For non-Emergencies, call
(585) 593-5600
JONES MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
will be open and has emergency generators
to care for patients.
FOR THOSE ON OXYGEN
(or other special medical needs)
Contact your medical provider for additional battery-operated apparatus, oxygen bottles
and instruction.
In the event of an emergency, call 911.
REFRIGERATED ITEMS
• Most items can be safely kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about any refrigerated medication concerns.
• Prepare ahead by filling plastic containers with water (leaving an inch space), freeze them in the days prior to the outage, and then place them in your refrigerator to help maintain the temperature.
• Minimize opening the refrigerator door to retain the cold temperature.
• When in doubt, throw it out.
TIPS FOR COOKING
• Do NOT use a charcoal grill or generator indoors and do NOT use a gas stove for heat. They could give off harmful levels of CARBON MONOXIDE.
• Plan to have an alternative cooking source, such as a camp stove or outdoor grill. Follow appropriate safety rules for its use OUTSIDE of the residence.
~ SEE GENERATOR SAFETY ON REVERSE ~
TIPS FOR ELECTRONICS
• Charge phones & computers prior to the outage.
• Unplug major appliances to prevent damage from a possible surge when the power comes back on.
• Backup computer files and operating systems.
• For electric garage doors, locate the manual release lever and learn how to operate it.
• For electric telephone instrument or system, plan for alternate communication (cell phone or radio).
• Remember that ATMs and elevators may not be working.
• Leave a light on, you’ll know when power returns.
• Use flashlights for emergency lighting, not candles – candles pose a risk of fire.
TIPS FOR KEEPING WARM
• Have extra blankets, coats, hats, gloves on hand to keep warm. Warming shelters will be available during the outage.
• Stay warm by dressing in layers and minimize time spent outdoors. Be aware of cold stress symptoms and seek proper medical attention as needed. Check on your neighbors.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
• Most traffic signals have battery backups; however, these backups only last 8 hours. Generators will be supplied after that period for further backup. Please use caution when traveling within the Village.
• The Village water system should allow for access to water and sewer during the outage. If your system requires a water pump, you will need to keep water on hand for flushing toilets and drinking.
• If your building has an elevator, please DO NOT use the elevator during the outage unless your building has a generator that can power the elevator. If you need to exit the building and are unable to use the stairs, call the Outage Command Center for assistance.
GENERATOR SAFETY
Consider buying a generator and follow the rules for using it outside of your residence. Before installing a generator, be sure to properly disconnect from your utility electrical service. If possible, have your generator installed by a qualified electrician. Be aware of hazards associated with running a generator: Carbon monoxide poisoning; fire; electrocution.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
o Do NOT use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed spaces or partially ventilated spaces.
o Do NOT operate a generator near open doors or windows. Using a fan will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home.
o Install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to alert you of dangerous levels. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended placement.
o REMEMBER: Carbon monoxide is completely colorless and odorless so you will not know it is there. It could kill or cause harm to your family and your pets.
Electrocution or Electric Shock
o Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
o Hooking up your generator directly into your home power supply could increase the voltage or could cause a surge to the outside power lines and potentially injure or electrocute an unaware utility lineman. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices. Connecting the generator to your home could cause a surge in electricity that might result in injury or death to yourself or your family.
o Use a qualified electrician to install the appropriate equipment in accordance with local electrical codes or ask your utility company to install an appropriate power transfer switch.
Fire
o Keep your generator outside and fuel your generator outside.
o Do not store fuel for your generator in your house. Gasoline, propane, kerosene, diesel and other flammable liquids should be stored outside living areas in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers.
o Do not store fuel near a fuel-burning appliance, for example a gas stove.
o If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the appliance’s pilot light or by arcs from electric switches.
o Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Gasoline or other flammable liquids spilled on hot engine parts could ignite, and invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the generator’s pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.
Additional Resources about Generators and Carbon Monoxide
o Generator safety video from CDC and FEMA which includes American Sign Language: youtube.com/watch?v=n7GIOzABRHA.
o Occupational Safety and Health Administration information about how to use portable generators safety at http://osha.gov/.../data.../portable_generator_safety.pdf.
o CDC Carbon Monoxide video at cdc.gov/co/ or call 800-232-4636.
