PSEG Long Island Thunderstorm Update

PSEG Long Island: Storm Update—July 23, 2019 9:30 p.m. ET

• In just over 24 hours, PSEG Long Island restored service to 100 percent of its customers affected by Monday’s sudden storm.
• The online Outage Map continues to update with new outages that are unrelated to the storm. The Outage Map statistics will continue to diverge from the number of customers affected by the storm, which PSEG Long Island tracks separately.
• Crews worked through the night and continued to work 16-hour shifts to assess damage and make repairs.  Click here to view and download photos.
• Over 800 tree and line restoration personnel were onsite to address outages.
• PSEG Long Island thanks the approximately 200 mutual assistance personnel from upstate New York and the Long Island contractors who supported our crews in restoring our customers quickly and safely.
• Our goal, always, is to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. We thank our customers for their patience during this significant event.

PSEG Long Island: Storm Update—July 23, 2019 4:30 p.m. ET

• As of 4:30 p.m., the utility has restored 27,683 customers affected by yesterday’s significant storm—handling more than 98% of the total outages in less than 24 hours.

• • The company expects the remaining customers that were affected by the thunderstorm to be restored by midnight.

• A fast-moving and powerful thunderstorm impacted Long Island and the Rockaways Monday evening. It brought heavy rain and lightning, causing tree branches and wires to come down across the service area.
• Crews worked through the night and continued to work 16-hour shifts to assess damage and make repairs.
• PSEG Long Island now has more than 800 tree and line restoration personnel onsite to address outages.
• Crews work to restore critical facilities and outages affecting the largest numbers of customers first.
• Information about PSEG Long Island’s restoration process is available at https://www.psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/stormsafety/afterastorm
• Our goal, always, is to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. We thank our customers for their patience during this significant event.

PSEG Long Island: Storm Update—July 23, 2019 11:30 a.m. ET

• As of 11:30 a.m., the utility has restored service to more than 25,100 customers impacted by yesterday’s significant storm.

• • PSEG Long Island is reporting approximately 2,924 of its 1.1 million customers across Long Island and the Rockaways are currently without service.
  • The utility expects to have the majority of customers restored by later today.

• A fast-moving and powerful thunderstorm impacted Long Island and the Rockaways Monday evening. It brought heavy rain and lightning, causing tree branches and wires to come down across the service area.
• Crews worked through the night and will continue to work 16-hour shifts to assess damage and make repairs. As we continue to assess the damage, estimated restoration times will be refined.
• PSEG Long Island now has more than 800 tree and line restoration personnel onsite to address outages.
• Crews work to restore critical facilities and outages affecting the largest numbers of customers first.
• Information about PSEG Long Island’s restoration process is available at https://www.psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/stormsafety/afterastorm
• Our goal, always, is to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. We ask our customers for a fair amount of patience and to know we will be there just as soon as possible.

PSEG Long Island: Storm Update—July 23, 2019 5:30 a.m. ET

• As of 5:15 a.m., the utility has restored service to more than 24,200 customers impacted by yesterday’s significant storm.

• • PSEG Long Island is reporting approximately 3,045 of its 1.1 million customers across Long Island and the Rockaways are currently without service.

• A fast-moving and powerful thunderstorm impacted Long Island and the Rockaways Monday evening. It brought heavy rain and lightning, causing tree branches and wires to come down across the service area.
• Crews worked through the night and will continue to work 16-hour shifts to assess damage and make repairs. As we continue to assess the damage, estimated restoration times will be refined.
• Additional personnel, including tree and line crews have been deployed to continue to assess, repair damage and restore outages.
• Crews work to restore critical facilities and outages affecting the largest numbers of customers first.
• Information about PSEG Long Island’s restoration process is available at https://www.psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/stormsafety/afterastorm
• Our goal, always, is to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. We ask our customers for a fair amount of patience and to know we will be there just as soon as possible.

PSEG Long Island: Storm Update—July 22, 2019 10:15 p.m. ET

• A fast-moving and powerful thunderstorm impacted Long Island and the Rockaways Monday evening. It brought heavy rain and lightning, causing tree branches and wires to come down across the service area, affecting more than 27,700 customers, with much of the damage in Nassau County.
• As of 10 p.m., 15,273 customers have been restored.
• PSEG Long Island was monitoring the storm closely and made sure a robust workforce was active and ready to respond.
• Crews will work through the night to assess damage and make repairs to restore power as safely and as quickly as possible.
• At this time there are approximately 10,000 customers affected by the storm. Of those, more than 7,000 customers already have crews dispatched to restore their outage.
• Information about PSEG Long Island’s restoration process is available at https://www.psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/stormsafety/afterastorm
• Our goal, always, is to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. We ask our customers for a fair amount of patience and to know we will be there just as soon as possible.

Stay connected:

• To report and receive status updates on an outage Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online visit www.psegliny.com.
• To report an outage or downed wire call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 800-490-0075.
• Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and Twitter to report an outage and for updates before, during and after the storm.
• Visit PSEG Long Island’s outage map to view outage information across Long Island and the Rockaways at https://outagemap.psegliny.com/

PSEG Long Island: Heat Update

July 21, 2019 9:00 p.m. ET

• According to the latest forecast, the excessive heat warning has been lifted for PSEG Long Island’s service area. Our personnel will continue to keep a close watch on the electrical system.
• While the company has ample power capacity to handle the high electrical demand, the combination of extreme heat and heavy load has caused some local, isolated equipment failures.
• Since 12:00 a.m. July 20, more than 27,000 customers have been affected due to the high temperatures. Of those, more than 24,000 have already been restored.
• Most customers were restored in an average of two hours or less. Some 668 line workers, technicians and other specialists have been responding to outages as they are reported, with no backlog as of 8:45 p.m.
• Crews have been working 16-hour shifts in grueling conditions to ensure any customers affected by an outage have power restored safely and as quickly as possible.
• Our crews will continue to work nonstop until all of our customers have power. The company’s goal always is to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. We know being without electricity for any length of time is a hardship and we thank our customers for their patience.
• During extreme heat conditions, customers should:
  – Seek out air conditioned spaces if their homes become too warm. Public cooling centers have been opened across Long Island and the Rockaways and they are displayed on PSEG Long Island’s outage map at https://outagemap.psegliny.com
  – Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
  – Avoid wearing dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
  – Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
  – Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• To limit the impact of hot weather and better manage electric usage, use power as efficiently as possible to keep cool and keep energy costs down. PSEG Long Island recommends the following tips for customers:
  – Run major appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, and pool pumps in the morning or late evening to avoid peak demand hours of 2 to 8 p.m.
  – Put air conditioners on timers and don’t let them run when not at hom
  – Set air conditioners at 78 degrees or higher if health allows
  – Use fans to circulate cool air, which helps cut air conditioner use
  – Make sure you have replaced filters and that A/C coils are clean
  – Set refrigerators and freezers at most efficient temperatures

July 21, 2019 1:30 p.m. ET

• Extremely hot weather conditions persist across Long Island and in the Rockaways, and PSEG Long Island personnel have been keeping a close watch on the electrical system.
• While the company has ample power capacity to handle the high electrical demand, the combination of extreme heat and heavy load can sometimes cause local, isolated equipment failures.
• Since 12:00 a.m. July 20, more than 19,000 customers have been affected due to the high temperatures. Of those, more than 17,000 have been restored.
• 668 line workers, technicians and other specialists have been responding to outages as they are reported, with no backlog as of 1 p.m.
• Crews are working 16-hour shifts in grueling conditions to ensure any customers affected by an outage have power restored safely and as quickly as possible.
• They will continue to work around the clock until the temperatures lessen and all outages are restored.
• During extreme heat conditions, customers should:
  – Seek out air conditioned spaces if their homes become too warm. Public cooling centers have been opened across Long Island and the Rockaways and they are displayed on PSEG Long Island’s outage map at https://outagemap.psegliny.com
  – Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
  – Avoid wearing dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
  – Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
  – Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• To limit the impact of hot weather and better manage electric usage, use power as efficiently as possible to keep cool and keep energy costs down. PSEG Long Island recommends the following tips for customers:
  – Run major appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, and pool pumps in the morning or late evening to avoid peak demand hours of 2 to 8 p.m.
  – Put air conditioners on timers and don’t let them run when not at hom
  – Set air conditioners at 78 degrees or higher if health allows
  – Use fans to circulate cool air, which helps cut air conditioner use
  – Make sure you have replaced filters and that A/C coils are clean
  – Set refrigerators and freezers at most efficient temperatures

Stay in touch and stay safe with PSEG Long Island:

• To report and receive status updates on an outage Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online visit www.psegliny.com.
• To report an outage or downed wire call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 800-490-0075.
• Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and Twitter to report an outage and for updates before, during and after the storm.
• Visit PSEG Long Island’s outage map to view outage information across Long Island and the Rockaways at https://outagemap.psegliny.com/

Beat the Heat: Extreme Weather Resources

Credit: BeReadyLI Partner …Health and Welfare Council of Long Island

According to Newsday, Nassau and Western Suffolk are under an excessive heat watch Saturday, with potentials for the heat index to range from 105 degrees to up to as high as 112, said the National Weather Service.

The heat can be extremely dangerous, especially for people with limited mobility,  chronic conditions, and seniors. Please be sure to check on friends and neighbors who may be vulnerable. Stay safe!

Please note that all state parks will have extended hours this weekend

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

Call 911, if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Hot, dry skin
• Trouble breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting

Learn more about staying safe in the heat

NASSAU COUNTY COOLING CENTERS

Cantiague Park Ice Rink (516-571-7056) located at 480 West John St. in Hicksville, will be open Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM, and Saturday – Sunday from 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM.*

Christopher Morley Park (516-571-8113) located on Searington Rd. North of the LIE in Roslyn, will be open Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM, and Saturday – Sunday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM.

Grant Park (516-571-7821) located on Broadway & Sheridan Ave in Hewlett, will be open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM until 11:00 PM, and Saturday – Sunday from 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM.*

Nassau County Aquatic Center (516-572-0501) located in Eisenhower Park, Merrick Ave in East Meadow, will be open Monday – Friday from 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM, and Saturday – Sunday from 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM.

Mitchel Field Complex – 1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Uniondale (516-572-0400)*

Wantagh Park Community Center – 1 King Road, Wantagh (516-571-7460)*

For more information on Nassau Cooling Centers, click here:

https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/4690/Warming-Cooling-Centers

You can check Nassau County libraries and locations here:

https://www.nassaulibrary.org/members/

SUFFOLK COUNTY COOLING CENTERS

Suffolk County is partnering with the Suffolk County Library system to provide cooling locations. Please contact your local library for hours of operation and further information. A complete listing of libraries in Suffolk can be found here: http://scls.suffolk.lib.ny.us/plibrary.htm

In addition, the Suffolk County Community College Selden, Brentwood and Riverhead campuses will have cooling centers open to the public between the hours of 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Below please find additional information on cooling centers provided by local municipalities.

Town of Babylon Babylon residents can call the 24 hour public safety line 631 422 7600 if they require a cooling center. The town hall annex will be operational as well.

Town of Brookhaven Beaches and pools only will be extended by one hour.

Town of Huntington 

Dix Hills Ice Rink (Lobby Sitting Area) Saturday-Thursday 6am-8pm, Friday 6am-10:30.

Town of Huntington Senior Beach House 239 Little Neck Road, Centerport Beach House: (631) 261-9186 Cottage: (631) 261-1058 Monday-Saturday: 10am – 4pm, Sunday: 12pm – 5pm

Town of Huntington Senior Center 423 Park Avenue, Huntington, Phone: (631) 351-3253 Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

Town of Smithtown Smithtown Senior Citizens Center to serve as weekend cooling center. Please contact Smithtown Public Safety for more information: 631-360-7553

Town of Riverhead

All Town Beach facilities will remain open with lifeguards until 7 pm on Saturday, July 20, 2019 and Sunday, July 21, 2019.

The Senior Center on Shade Tree Lane in Aquebogue will be open Saturday, July 20, 2019 and Sunday, July 21, 2019 as a Cooling Center from 10 am to 6 pm

Town of Shelter Island Senior Center is open 7 days/week from 9am-5pm.

PSEG Long Island Prepared to Meet Customer Demand in Extreme Heat

PLANS TO ACTIVATE VOLUNTARY AIR CONDITIONER CYCLING PROGRAM TO CREATE SAVINGS FOR CUSTOMERS

(Uniondale, NY – July 17, 2019) — With temperatures upwards of 90 degrees forecasted for the rest of the week and into the weekend, PSEG Long Island is prepared for the extreme heat and encourages its customers to be ready as well.

PSEG Long Island continues to expect to have enough electric capacity to meet customer demand for the high temperatures and high humidity. While there are no capacity concerns, PSEG Long Island is planning to activate its voluntary Smart Savers Thermostat program to reduce loading on the system, which helps create future savings for customers.

“Implementing the voluntary program will potentially reduce load requirements by lowering the peak demand on some of the hottest days,” said Michael Voltz, director of energy efficiency and renewable energy for PSEG Long Island. “This will help generate savings for customers in the future.”

PSEG Long Island’s Smart Savers Thermostat program saves participants money this year and potentially lowers customers’ bills next summer. PSEG Long Island must purchase power in advance, basing the amount on load forecasts and state-mandated capacity requirements that incorporate peak-usage levels from previous years. By reducing peak usage this year, the company lowers the amount of power that must be purchased in advance for next summer.

Approximately 45,000 customers who have elected to participate in this program may experience on- and off-cycling of their central air conditioning systems, or a small increase in temperature, between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m.

The conservation program was last activated on Aug. 29, 2018 resulting in about 51 MW of reduction in peak demand and $2.8 million in reduced capacity costs for this year. Activating the Smart Savers Thermostat program also allows PSEG Long Island to maintain an up-to-date assessment of the program’s capability to reduce demand on peak load days.

To limit the impact of hot weather and better manage electric usage, use power as efficiently as possible to keep cool and keep energy costs down. PSEG Long Island recommends the following tips for customers:

Run major appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, and pool pumps in the morning or late evening to avoid peak demand hours of 2 to 8 p.m

Put air conditioners on timers and don’t let them run when not at home

Set air conditioners at 78 degrees or higher if health allows

Use fans to circulate cool air, which helps cut air conditioner use

Make sure you have replaced filters and that A/C coils are clean

Set refrigerators and freezers at most efficient temperatures

High temperatures and high electric demand can sometimes cause scattered heat-related outages. PSEG Long Island has significant resources available and will address outages as quickly and safely as possible. Customers who experience an outage should call 1-800-490-0075.

Stay connected:

To report and receive status updates on an outage Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online visit www.psegliny.com.

To report an outage or downed wire call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 800-490-0075.

Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and Twitter to report an outage and for updates before, during and after any major weather event

Visit PSEG Long Island’s outage map to view outage information across Long Island and the Rockaways at https://outagemap.psegliny.com/

Stay Safe This Independence Day

Credit: American Red Cross, BeReadyLI Partner, https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2019/how-to-have-a-safe-4th-of-july.html 

FIREWORKS SAFETY

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.

3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.

4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”

5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

PICNIC SAFETY

1. Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.

2. Wash your hands before preparing the food.

3. If you are going to cook on a grill, always supervise the grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

4. Never grill indoors. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.

5. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.

WATER SAFETY

Children and adults should learn to swim so they at least achieve the skills of water competency: be able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance and then get out of the water safely. Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or the rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.

Plan ahead for aquatic activities:

1. Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water

2. Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, including four-sided fencing

3. Learn swimming and water survival skills

4. Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets;

5. Always swim in a lifeguarded area.

BEACH SAFETY

1. If you plan to swim in the ocean, a lake or river, be aware that swimming in these environments is different than swimming in a pool. Be sure you have the skills for these environments.

2. Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local conditions.

3. Make sure you swim sober and that you always swim with a buddy. Know your limitations and make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore.

4. Protect your neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.

5. If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Signal to those on shore that you need assistance. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.

WATER PARK SAFETY

1. Make sure lifeguards are on duty before you go in the water and follow all their instructions.

2. Wear protective clothing, including a hat and some kind of cover-up for when you’ve had enough sun. Use sunscreen before leaving home and reapply during the day.

3. Parents – keep an eye on the kids. If they can’t swim or are less than four feet tall, have them wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.

4. Signal a lifeguard if you see someone is in trouble. Yell if you need to grab attention, but don’t go in after the person yourself.

5. Set up a meeting place in case someone gets separated from your group. Use the buddy system to make sure no child is alone.

PSEG Long Island: Storm Update

PSEG Long Island: Storm Update—July 1, 2019 5:30 a.m. ET

• PSEG Long Island is reporting approximately 23,834 of its 1.1 million customers across Long Island and the Rockaways are currently without service.
• As of 5:15 a.m., the utility has restored service to more than 46,800 customers impacted by yesterday’s significant storm.
• Strong winds, heavy rain and hail caused significant damage in Western Suffolk County. The storm brought down numerous large trees, branches and wires. Hardest hit areas are in the Towns of Islip, Huntington, Smithtown and Babylon.
• Crews worked through the night and will continue to work 16-hour shifts to assess damage and make repairs. As we continue to assess the damage, estimated restoration times will be refined.
• Additional personnel, including tree and line crews have been deployed to continue to assess, repair damage and restore outages.
• Crews work to restore critical facilities and outages affecting the largest numbers of customers first.
• Information about PSEG Long Island’s restoration process is available at https://www.psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/stormsafety/afterastorm
• Our goal, always, is to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. We know being without electricity for any length of time is a hardship and we thank our customers for their patience as we work through the damage and difficult conditions to restore power.
• To view photos of storm damage, visit https://flic.kr/s/aHsmEEvn6p .

Stay in touch and stay safe with PSEG Long Island:

• To report and receive status updates on an outage Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online visit www.psegliny.com.
• To report an outage or downed wire call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 800-490-0075.
• Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and Twitter to report an outage and for updates before, during and after the storm.
• Visit PSEG Long Island’s outage map to view outage information across Long Island and the Rockaways at https://outagemap.psegliny.com/ .

June Begins Hurricane Season – BeReadyLI Helps Long Islanders Prepare

Long Island can be an extremely vulnerable region – it is susceptible to natural disasters ranging from blizzards to heatwaves to hurricanes. June marks the beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs through November 30. Recognizing the importance of being prepared and staying safe, United Way of Long Island, 2-1-1 Long Island and PSEG Long Island created BeReadyLI.org, a comprehensive online resource aimed at helping residents prepare before, during and after disasters.  

BeReadyLI.org has worked to help tens of thousands of Long Islanders prepare before, during and after hurricanes, and other disasters, by encouraging families to take simple steps that help ensure their safety. BeReadyLI.org enhances access to Long Islanders with timely and accurate information to improve emergency readiness, as well as recovery resources including transportation updates, town and village contact information and government websites. 

“Long Island is no stranger to the devastating impact of hurricanes. Super Storm Sandy struck seven years ago and, today, we are still recovering and completing relief efforts,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “Knowing that hurricanes have long-term impacts on the region, it is critical that we are prepared. BeReadyLI has all the information that Long Islanders need, in one place, so that they are ready and safe.” 

“When it comes to emergencies, big or small, PSEG Long Island urges all families to take the steps necessary to be ready to handle a situation at a moment’s notice,” added Daniel Eichhorn, President and COO, PSEG Long Island. “Especially during hurricanes, there are special precautions that need to be considered – particular health concerns, young children, or pets – that can all be found on BeReadyLI.org, including the BeReadyLI Children’s Workshop – a tremendous asset for parents and schools in learning how children can be prepared.” 

BeReadyLI encourages everyone to take the first step in protecting themselves. Take the Pledge to be Prepared, test your preparedness knowledge by taking the Quiz, and learn more on how you can prepare for an emergency – visit BeReadyLI.org or 211li.org. 

Special Assistance for Furloughed Federal Workers

HUD Housing
For information on Tenants’ Rights during the Federal Government shutdown, visit www.nslawservices.org/single-post/section8tenantrights or the National Housing Law Project at www.nhlp.org. Includes Section 8 and Public Housing.

SUNY and CUNY Students
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed SUNY and CUNY to assist students with college-related expenses during the prolonged federal shutdown. Payments for tuition and related college expenses will be postponed, and no late fees or penalties will be charged to impacted students. This temporary reprieve will apply to federal employees, dependents of federal employees, and students who are dependent on loans from the federal government that may be delayed. SUNY and CUNY leadership will work with their respective campuses to make financial arrangements for impacted students and their families – check with school’s Office of Financial Aid.

Unemployment Benefits and Public Assistance Benefits

New York State Department of Labor (DOL) will provide increased support to federal workers impacted by the federal government shutdown seeking unemployment insurance benefits. The DOL will accelerate the application process and extend call center hours. The Department of Labor to work with the federal unions to make sure their members are made aware of these benefits.

If you’re a New Yorker who has been affected by the federal shutdown, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits through the NYS Department of Labor. To see if you qualify or to apply for benefits call 1-888-209-8124 and you will be able to speak with Department of Labor specialists who can assist you in quickly receiving the benefits you need. The call center is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday. You can also apply through DOL’s website: https://labor.ny.gov/ui/how_to_file_claim.shtm.

If you are interested in learning more about finding temporary or part-time job opportunities visit the Department of Labor Career Centers in your area or call 1-888-469-7365. Or you can go you the website at www.labor.ny.gov.

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) may be able to help furloughed federal workers apply for and obtain public assistance benefits. Some furloughed federal workers or federal employees who are still working but not receiving a paycheck may be eligible for emergency assistance to help meet basic needs through the state’s OTDA. Even households that are not traditionally eligible for public assistance may be eligible for short-term assistance to help pay rent or buy food if they do not have resources readily available to them due to loss of income. Anyone interested in receiving this help or learning about what programs they may be eligible for are encouraged to visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/apply/ or go to their local department of social services or New York City Job Center.

Utilities

The New York State Public Service Commission announced that New York’s major electric and gas utilities are implementing special collection practices for customers furloughed and those working without pay due to the federal government shutdown. The State’s major utilities (National Grid, Consolidated Edison, Central Hudson, Orange and Rockland, New York State Electric and Gas, Rochester Electric and Gas, PSEG Long Island and National Fuel Gas) have committed to assist federal employees who may be experiencing a financial hardship that makes it difficult for them to pay their energy bills during the government shutdown.   These utilities have all committed to keeping these provisions in place for the duration of the shutdown and until they get paid.

While the specific provisions will vary by utility, some of these special practices include: suspending or waiving late payment fees; extending or deferring payment due dates; and, crafting deferred payment agreements tailored to each affected customer’s financial circumstances. These special practices will not only help furloughed and unpaid working federal government employees avoid the possibility of having their energy services turned off but will also help these customers avoid lowering their credit ratings because of circumstances beyond their control.  Affected Federal government employees are encouraged to reach out to their utility’s Credit Department or customer service departments if they are unable to pay their bill.  The utilities may place a collection suspend on accounts, suspend collection calls and disconnect notices; and waive late fees. Additionally, collection arrangement or deferred payment agreement will be structured as required if the shutdown is extended and balances exceed the customer’s ability to pay.

United Way of Long Island’s Project Warmth is Long Island’s only non-governmental emergency fuel fund that helps families including the elderly, unemployed, underemployed and disabled, who find themselves in an energy crisis during the cold winter months. For assistance from Project Warmth, contact United Way of Long Island’s 2-1-1 service by dialing 2-1-1 (or 1-888-774-7633) 7 days a week, 9:00am-5:00pm, for referrals to an intake site, or visit www.211longisland.org.  Project Warmth will remain open until all funds are depleted. 

Food

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that most recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive their full February benefits early due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Current SNAP recipients may receive their February benefits by Thursday, January 17.   OTDA also urged the SNAP recipients receiving their benefits early to budget accordingly due to the uncertainty caused by the federal shutdown. This not an “extra” or “bonus” benefit and households will not receive a second benefit for the month of February.

Visit 211Long Island’s listing of Food Pantries and other food resources at https://211longisland.communityos.org/cms/food_foodpantries.

Long Island Cares, Regional Food Bank welcomes furloughed federal workers at its three satellite locations M/W/F 9am-3pm and Thurs. 9am-5pm. Tues. 9am-5pm is exclusively for members of the armed forces/Coast Guard and their families. Locations: 220 Broadway in Huntington Station 631.824.6384; 21 East Sunrise Hwy. in Freeport 516.442.5221 and 163-1 N. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst 631.991.8106. Workers are also welcome to arrange for individual appointments to receive assistance. www.licares.org 

Island Harvest Food Bank is offering temporary food assistance and resources to federal workers whose pay has been deferred due to the partial government shutdown. The food bank is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The food bank will also provide referrals as needed through its network of 450 community-based agencies in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Call 516-294-8528 or 631-873-4775 or www.islandharvest.org.

PSEG Long Island Is Prepared for First Winter Storm

Utility offers information and safety tips for customers

(Uniondale, NY – November 14, 2018) — PSEG Long Island is closely monitoring and ready for the season’s first forecast of snow, sleet and rain expected to hit the service area Thursday. In preparation, PSEG Long Island has performed system checks on critical transmission & distribution equipment and ensured the availability of critical materials, fuel and other supplies.
“If the weather conditions cause interruptions to service, we are prepared and will respond and restore outages safely and quickly,” said John O’Connell, vice president of transmission & distribution at PSEG Long Island. “Whether it’s the first storm of the season or three consecutive storms at the end of the season, like we had last March, we are committed to providing safe, reliable service to our customers.”

Heavy snow and icing on lines and trees and windy conditions can increase the possibility of downed wires and power outages. Snowy roads and poor visibility make drivers more likely to lose control and strike utility poles, which can also cause wires to come down.

A full complement of personnel will be on hand to deal with any outages caused by the wintry weather. Contractors, including tree crews, will also be available to assist the utility’s own skilled workforce if necessary.

PSEG Long Island works throughout the year to prepare for extreme weather and to make sure the energy grid is reliable. That includes continually trimming tree limbs away from power lines, enhancing technology to detect and restore outages and advancing FEMA reliability projects across the service territory—all in order to provide greater reliability and to help prevent outages during storms.

Stay connected:
• To report and receive status updates on an outage Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online visit www.psegliny.com.
• To report an outage or downed wire call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 800-490-0075.
• Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and Twitter to report an outage and for updates before, during and after the storm• Visit PSEG Long Island’s outage map to view outage information across Long Island and the Rockaways at https://outagemap.psegliny.com/

Stay safe:
• Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything contacting the wire. To report a downed wire call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 800-490-0075
• High winds may cause flying debris, and bring down trees and power lines. Be cautious and stay alert to surroundings during and after storms.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run any gasoline-powered generators in a garage or any other enclosed space.
• Make sure everyone in the family is prepared and knows what to do if there is an emergency. Visit https://www.psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/stormsafety/beforeastorm to learn about safety tips from Sesame Street, YouTube safety videos and more.

California Wildfires

The worst wildfires in California’s history have broken out in Butte, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. To date Camp Fire has destroyed the city of Paradise in Butte County, and is spreading further into the county. The Woolsey and Hill fires in Ventura and Los Angeles counties are impacting communities from Calabasas and Thousand Oaks to Malibu. Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated; 50 are confirmed dead, with several hundred missing.

In response to these fires, United Way of Northern California, and United Way of Greater Los Angeles in coordination with United Way of Ventura County, have established emergency relief efforts to help those impacted.

If you would like to help:

United Way of Greater Los Angeles and Ventura County Regional Fund:  www.unitedwayla.org/en/give/disaster-relief-fund/

Northern California United Way Fund for the Camp Fire:  www.norcalunitedway.org/camp-fire

These efforts are being bolstered by an outpouring of support from the corporate and entertainment communities. Lyft activated its Round Up and Donate program to benefit the two relief funds and 2-1-1. Lyft will continue this program for the remainder of this year. Additionally, a number of entertainers have opened their homes to residents displaced by the fires, and others, like Britney Spears, are using their social media platforms to promote the relief funds. We are grateful for this testament to the caring power of communities.