National Grid is offering the following tips for customers to minimize inconvenience and maximize safety in the event that storm-related power interruptions do occur:

• 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.

• If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to only operate it outdoors. Before operating generators, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize crew safety.

• 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.

• 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 1-800-642-4272.

• National Grid customers who experience outages should call National Grid’s outage line at 1-800-867-5222 immediately to expedite restoration.

• Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period. National Grid provides a number of channels for customers to learn about service issues and interruptions during storms.

Customers can receive text message alerts and updates through a free service the company offers. The company provides real time outage information at its Outage Central web site at https://www1.nationalgridus.com/OutageCentral.

There is also an app available for mobile devices. Text the word STORM to NGRID (64743) to sign up for the service.

E-mail alerts are also available to customers who create an online profile on the company’s website.

All alert services can be started and stopped at the customer’s request. National Grid also provides storm and restoration updates through Facebook and Twitter.