Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee leaves nearly 100,000 Northern New Englanders in the dark

By Jennifer Costa, Regional Communications Director

Hurricane Lee became Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee Saturday as it made landfall in Canada. Here in the U.S., a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Maine as Lee continues to deliver strong wind gusts, rainfall and dangerous surf conditions.

Lee has knocked out power to more than 95,000 Mainers and 2,300 Granite Staters as of 6pm. The Red Cross continues to monitor the impacts of this storm. Right now, safety is our top priority. 

We are getting reports of downed trees and power lines. As power outages climb, we want to remind folks about power out safety:

Keep away from power lines. Stay at least 35 feet away from fallen power lines and anything they are touching. Call 911 and let them know.

Avoid electrical shock in flood areas. Don’t go into flooded areas or use any electrical equipment or electronics that may have been submerged. Have a qualified electrical inspector check the electrical system.

When in doubt, throw it out. If food is 40 degrees F or warmer, especially dairy and meat, throw it out. Ask your provider about using refrigerated medicines.

Power outages can be frustrating and inconvenient. For prolonged outages, follow these tips to minimize loss and keep everyone as comfortable as possible.

🔦 Use flashlights in the dark — not candles.

🚗 Don’t drive unless necessary. Traffic lights will be out and roads could be congested.

🔌 Turn off and unplug any appliances, equipment and electronics. When the power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.

💡 Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.

If a power outage is two hours or less, don’t be concerned about losing perishable foods. During a prolonged outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to protect your food. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours and a full freeze will keep its temperature for around 48 hours. Use perishable food from the refrigerator first before using food from the freezer. If the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items. Keep food in a dry, cool spot and cover it at all times.

While generators can get the lights back on, they can also be dangerous if not used correctly.

Here are generator tips to keep everyone safe:

If you are using a generator, keep it dry and don’t use it in wet conditions.

Never use a generator inside a home, garage, basement or other partially enclosed area. Keep this equipment outside and away from doors, windows and vents, which could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

Operate the generator on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up by poles. Don’t touch a generator with wet hands.

Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could catch fire.

Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.

Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide. If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

National blood shortage Lee may force the cancellation of blood drives in affected areas or cause lower donor turnout. The American Red Cross is already experiencing a national blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed and there is an emergency need for platelet donors and type O blood donors. The Red Cross urges eligible individuals to give blood and help ensure we can meet the needs of patients whenever and wherever they arise.

• Schedule an appointment to donate today using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• Those in unaffected areas are encouraged to schedule an appointment to donate today.