What Do You Do If You Lose Power?

The storm headed up the East Coast is expected to bring high winds, more than an inch of rain, and power outages. 

As of Tuesday at 4:50 p.m., the Public Service Enterprise Group, or PSE&G, is reporting up to 500 homes without power in South Orange, according to its interactive power-outage map.

A spokesperson for PSE&G was unable to provide any further information at this time. 

If you lose power during the storm -- don't panic! Patch has you covered. PSE&G has issued the following checklist to rundown if your electricity goes out. 

• If you lose power, first check your fuse and/or circuit breaker box and main breaker if appropriate. If that is not the problem, and your neighbors also have no power, call PSE&G at 1-800-436 7734.
• If your fuse or breakers are in a flooded area, do not go near them until the water recedes or is removed.
• Always stay away from fallen power lines, and always assume they are energized. Notify us at 1-800-436-7734 if you notice wires are down in your area.
• Know how to open your garage door without the electric opener. 
• Remember, electric well and sump pumps will not operate. 
• Unplug all motor-driven appliances like refrigerators and freezers and sensitive electronic equipment (such as TVs, microwaves and computers) to prevent a possible electrical overload when power is restored. 
• Leave one light switch on to indicate when power is restored.

If there is an emergency, such as downed wire that is live, call 9-1-1.

All non-emergency calls about power outages should be directed to PSE&G.

Due to the possible severity of the story and volume of calls, residents are advised that response times from PSE&G may not be immediate.