Ready for the blizzard? Do this if you have an electric garage door, and six other tips.

The Bulletin
·2 min read

A major winter storm this weekend is predicted to dump as much as two feet of snow on some parts of New England between late Friday night and Sunday morning.

The nor'easter is also expected to bring high winds - and subsequent power failures - followed by what the National Weather Service is calling "bitter cold air."

In Connecticut, where the eastern part of the state is slated to get at least a foot of snow, Norwich Public Utilities, which serves the city of Norwich, urged customers to prepare their homes and businesses and compiled the following list of tried-and-true storm tips.

What's coming: A winter storm is forecast for this weekend in CT. How much snow will your town get?

Do this in case the power goes out

  • Make an emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

  • Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any critical device that requires power; charge cell phones and any battery-powered devices.

  • Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it.

  • Purchase ice or freeze water-filled plastic containers to help keep food cold during a power outage.

Looking back: Blizzard of ’78 remains a touchstone for New Englanders who lived through it

  • Fill your car’s gas tank as gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. If you use your car to re-charge devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close to a home, this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • If you are going to use an electric generator, make sure that it has been installed by a licensed electrician; a generator that has been improperly installed can send electricity back onto NPU’s electrical system, creating a potentially lethal hazard for our employees. Only operate a generator outdoors.

  • If you are dependent on an electrical-powered medical device, make sure you have a back-up plan – a secondary source of power or another place to go after the storm – in the event of a power outage at your residence. If there is any doubt about your electricity supply, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Be prepared: 5 essential ways to prepare for a snowstorm

“We are encouraging every NPU customer to follow the course of the storm very closely and to be prepared for the possibility of power outages between Friday afternoon and Sunday,” said Chris LaRose, General Manager of Norwich Public Utilities. “We are preparing for a potential blizzard and want our customers to do the same.”

This story is available to all as a public service and is made possible by our subscribers. Please support quality local journalism with a subscription to one of our publications.

The power company also warned of the low visibility likely on roads Saturday.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: What to do if you lose power during New England's weekend blizzard