National Grid Says It's Ready for “Winter Storm Harper”
GoLocalProv News Team
National Grid Says It's Ready for “Winter Storm Harper”
Current forecasts indicate that weather conditions could cause damage to the electrical system. Heavy snow and ice could cause major tree damage resulting in power outages across the region. National Grid considers this a Type 3 event, meaning nine percent of its customers may be impacted for 72 hours or more. National Grid is collaborating with local state agencies and municipalities to ensure that we are well prepared for the storm and its aftermath.
“National Grid has been closely tracking this storm for several days to ensure we have the appropriate plan in place for the forecast,” said Dan Bunszell, Vice President of New England Electric Operations. “We are focused on maintaining the safety of our customers and employees, and we will be ready to address the potential outages that may occur.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAs part of its preparations, more than 350 external line crews have been secured to assist National Grid’s 200 line crews in the region. More than 290 forestry crews will also be ready to assist in the restoration efforts once conditions are safe to do so. Storm room operations will be opened up in Worcester, MA Hopedale, MA; North Andover, MA; Brockton, MA; and, in Providence, RI. Staging sites are also being set up in various locations across the two states.
National Grid Claims:
We urge customers to watch out for their own wellbeing and the safety of utility crews working during storms. Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe:
Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency response organization.
Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it’s an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food.
People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a life support customer, call the company’s
Customer Service Center at 1-800-322-3223.
Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period.
Electric safety
If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to operate it outdoors. Before operating generators, disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize the safety of line crews and the public.
If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.
Reminder: It’s not safe to work in an elevated bucket during periods of increased wind gusts. Our line workers begin restoration work only when conditions are deemed safe.
We are updating our customers:
Report power outages at www.nationalgridus.com or call 1-800-465-1212.
Receive text message alerts and updates when you text the word STORM to NGRID (64743).
Use your mobile device to track outage information and storm-related safety tips through National Grid’s mobile site accessible at www.ngrid.com/mobile.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram; we post all the latest storm and restoration updates.
Track outages at www.nationalgridus.com/outage-central.
20 Ways to Keep From Going Insane This Winter in New England - 2019
Go Bowling at BreakTime Bowl and Bar
Pawtucket, RI
Go bowling at BreakTime Bowl and Bar at Hope Artiste Village.
"BreakTime is a retro 1920's themed duckpin bowling alley. Offering a nice selection of pub food and a fully stocked bar. Fun for all," writes BreakTime Bowl and Bar on their website.
Get a Workout in at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp
Providence, RI
Don't let this cold weather keep you from getting in shape.
Head to Providence Fit Body Boot Camp and get in a good workout without having to worry about the heat.
Providence Fit Body Boot Camp writes, "Discover The Providence Fitness Boot Camp That Burns Twice The Fat, Gets You Fit And Challenges Your Body Every Time."
Newport, RI
This Bed & Breakfast is located right in the historic district of Newport, Rhode Island. Each room is unique and complete with amenities like imported linens, spa showers and fireplaces. It’s just steps away from the Newport Cliff Walk, providing excellent views of the Atlantic. Don’t miss the seasonal gourmet breakfast!
Go to a Providence Escape Room
Providence, RI
Can you escape?
Grab a group of friends or family members and head to Escape Rhode Island on Main Street in Providence.
Play Video Games at Battlegroundz
Lincoln, RI
Pay One Price for four Hours Unlimited Play of Laser Tag, Splatmaster Paintball, Dart Warz, Knockerball®, Paintball, and Airsoft at Battlegroundz in Lincoln.
All fields and the restaurant are open starting at noon through 10 p.m. the rest of the week.
Play Mini Golf at Monster Mini Golf in Seekonk
Seekonk, MA
Just over the border, Monster Mini Golf is a great way to beat the cold.
"Monster Mini Golf is a stimulating one-of-a-kind mini golf experience! Imagine 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark beaming blacklight mini golf surrounded by custom designed art and creative and animated props. We have combined wit, humor, and relatable pop-culture and history to create walls of artwork belonging to the town and state of the actual location," said the company on their website.
Hang Out at Riff Raff Bookstore and Bar
Providence, RI
Grab a drink and a good book at Riff Raff in Providence.
"We specialize in diverse books from independent publishers + great cocktails," says Riff Raff on their Facebook page.
Riff Raff is located at 60 Valley Street in Providence.
Visit Flora in Winter at Worcester Art Museum
Worcester, MA
Leave the winter cold outside and treat yourself to color and fragrance during WAM's annual floral extravaganza when the entire Museum blooms with flower arrangements inspired by works of art.
The region's top floral designers interpret paintings, sculpture, and other works with imaginative arrangements that both dazzle and delight! Demonstrations, lectures, guided tours, and activities for children also take place throughout Flora in Winter.
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Go Karting at R1 Indoor Karting Entertainment Center
Lincoln, RI
The R1 Indoor Karting Entertainment Center recently opened in Lincoln showcasing fast electric karts with top technology.
The karts can go up to 45MPH but they are “smart” karts, so you work you way up to that speed.
R1 features a “Junior” track for ages 6-15 and an “Adult” track, both with four-speed levels. All karts are electric and powered by green technology.
Ice Skating at Worcester Common Oval
Worcester, MA
The ice rink at Worcester Common Oval is now open for skating.
Embrace the cold by lacing up your skates and get a couple of laps in.
Ice skating is available through February 24 on Fridays from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Boston, MA
Home to over 80 penguins and plenty of other animals, the New England Aquarium features cool animals such as the African Penguin, American Lobster, Giant Pacific Octopus and more.
Be sure to check out the 3D exhibits as well as the other animals all over the aquarium.
Visit the Museum of Bad Art
3 Locations in Massachusetts
The Museum of Bad Art is the only museum in the world that is dedicated to showing off bad art in all of its forms. It includes more than 600 pieces of art, but do to limited space they only show 50 to 70 pieces at a time.
They have three locations, one at the Somerville Theatre, a second at Brookline Interactive Group and a third at the New England Wild Life Center in Weymouth.
Admission is FREE.
Virtual Reality Arcade at Providence Place
Providence, RI
The Providence Place Mall now offers a Virtual Reality Arcade at the Showcase Cinema.
The cinema includes 10 games such as ping-pong, a speed-skating parkour fusion, a lighthearted “Job Simulator,” a supersized fruit ninja and more.
Bounce Around at Launch Trampoline Park
Warwick, RI
Launch Trampoline Park just opened their new location on Bald Hill Road in Warwick.
Whether you want to bring a group of children for the day, or sign up a group of adults for some "xtreme" dodgeball, trampoline parks can be a great change of pace and a fun way to try something new during this heat.
Visit the Newport Car Museum
Newport, RI
Warm up and check out the many galleries at the Newport Car Museum.
Galleries include the "American Muscle Gallery," the "Ford/Shelby" Gallery, a "Fin Car Callery" and a "Corvette Gallery."
Visit the RISD Museum
Providence, RI
The RISD Museum contains a broad range of works from around the world, including ancient Egypt, Asia, Africa, ancient Greece and Rome, Europe, and the Americas.
The RISD Museum houses over 86,000 works of art.
Go Sking or Snowboarding at Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, MA
Not everyone hates the frigid cold weather and if you are one of those people who love it, this is probably prime sking or snowboarding conditions at Wachusett Mountain
Spend Time at Biomes Marine Biology Center
North Kingstown, RI
Check out the cool Marine Biology Center in North Kingstown.
It is a great place for both adults and kids to enjoy.
"The Biomes Center is New England's only private marine education facility and the most hands-on aquarium in the region. We've been providing interactive marine biology programs for schools and families since 1989.
We specialize in teaching children and adults about the marine animals of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean," writes Biomes on their website.
Visit the Boston Children's Museum
Boston, MA
Keep the kids busy for hours on end by visiting the Boston Children's Museum.
The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays.
Go Indoor Rock Climbing at Ocean State Rock Climbing
Lincoln, RI
Get some exercise and stay cool at the same time.
Rock climbing is a fun and challenging way to get some exercise without running on treadmills or running outside.
