Power line worker narrowly avoids near-miss from improperly installed generator
Utility restoration continues in Knox County; however, today, Nov. 2, CMP reported a safety near-miss from a home back-feeding the grid from an improperly installed generator. The Line Worker was not injured, but it was a close call, according to Knox County Emergency Management Director Ray Sisk, but he wants those who are operating generators to proceed with care and caution.
“The location and service area in the state was not mentioned,” he said. “A generator improperly installed can ‘back-feed’ circuits around a home or residence for quite some distance. These NOW ENERGIZED circuits are dangerous for anyone to touch; what might otherwise be a dead circuit is now live and potentially deadly.”
As the numbers tick down, outage restoration pace can appear to slow, said Sisk.
“This is normal as the smaller circuits with fewer residences take just as long to restore as the larger circuits,” he said. “If you have a specific power issue that you have not reported directly to CMP’s outage line please do so by calling their outage reporting line (800)696-1000 or online at https://ecmp.cmpco.com/WebOutage. For an EMERGENCY DIAL 9-1-1.
“Please do not attempt to report an outage to a lineworker in the field. You may slow their pace and distract them for what may be a dangerous job. The bulk of local outages should be restored by Saturday evening.”
Are you helping your neighbor? Please use your portable generator safely. Remember, no downed line is safe to touch-ever! Here’s one of the reasons:
Power Outage Status | In Knox County: 3,198 accounts or 12% remain out as of 4pm Thurs 2 Nov. Down from 20% yesterday, 27% Tuesday and 55% Monday |
Road Closed | 17 streets or roads in 7 municipalities affected with some tree or wire restriction or detour. Down from 25 yesterday. |
Weather Brief | Tonight lows in mid 50’s Wind S 10mph with gusts to 20mph. Showers possible. Friday: 50% chance of showers highs in low 60’s SW Wind 10-15 mph with gusts to 25mph. |
Shelters | Nearest overnight shelter at Augusta Civic Center. Red Cross operated. Several local hotels/Inn offering discounted rates for those affected by outages. We have heard the Lord Camden Inn and Heartstone Inn (Point Lookout is full tonight) have special rates and room availability. Lodging operators are encouraged to let us know of any specials that we might pass along. |
Warming Centers/Hot Showers | Complementary showers again tonight at Harbor YMCA and Flanagan Rec Ctr tonight in Rockland till 8pm. PenBayYMCA in Rockport till 8:30pm. |
Damage Reports | Farms in the area who may have experienced losses should contact the USDA FSA at 990-9140. We are working with the state to set up a process through “2-1-1” Maine for residents to easily self-report private property damage (Note: IF available, any federal assistance for approved private losses is secondary to insurance). |
Other News | SNAP recipients with eligible food losses may qualify for replacement. See DHHS press release here: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Portal+News&id=770788&v=article- 2017 or contact the Office for Family Independence at (855)797-4357 to request a form. |
For more information, contact EMA at phone 594-5155 or by e-mail at kxeoc@knoxcountyme.gov You may also visit the Knox County Emergency Management Agency website at: http://www.knoxcountymaine.gov/ema
Follow us on Twitter @KnoxCountyEMA and Facebook @KnoxCountyMaineEMA
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