With a major nor’easter expected to impact the Boston area beginning Friday, NSTAR announced on Thursday it will will activate its emergency response plan for a significant impact on the electric grid.

“We’re well into our preparations for responding to potentially widespread power outages resulting fromthe nor’easter’s high winds and heavy snow,” said Craig Hallstrom, President of NSTAR Electric. “Weprepare year-round for storms like this and stand ready to address damage to our system as soon as itbecomes safe to do so.”

NSTAR said 3,000 employees are currently preparing to assist in the storm reponse effort, and the company has also secured additional contractor line and tree crews. 

The company is advising customers to make advanced preparations as well. 
You can can prepare for storm damage and power outages by assembling a storm kit in advance

Some suggestions for items to include in a storm kit are:

• Flashlights with spare batteries
• A battery-operated radio or TV
• First-aid kit and medications
• Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated foods
• A manual can opener
• Bottled water
• Baby or pet supplies
• Important phone numbers

To report power outages, use NSTAR's online "Report an Outage" tool or call NSTAR at 800-592-2000 to report your outage.

Tips if the power goes out:

• Stay clear of all fallen tree limbs and electrical wires as well as anything they are touching - such as puddles and metal fences. Assume all downed wires are “live” and stay away. Call NSTAR and local emergency personnel.
• Persons dependent on electrically powered life support systems should have a pre-arranged plan concerning power outage situations.
• Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers and have it readily available.
• Disconnect appliances that will go on automatically when the power is restored. These include refrigerators, stoves, furnaces and water heaters.
• Turn off appliances such as washers, dryers, computers and TV's. Once power is restored, turn appliances back on one at a time to avoid a power surge.
• If using candles or matches, be extremely careful and never leave open flames unattended.
• Food in your refrigerator will keep for 6 to 9 hours, and food in your freezer will keep between 36 and 48 hours. It will help to minimize the number of times the door is opened. 
• In the winter, dress in layers and wear a hat.

What is essential to your snowstorm kit? Tell us in the comments. 

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