National Grid is gearing up for the high wind gusts and rain expected in the North Country Friday following a National Weather Service high wind warning.

The service has issued a warning for the St. Lawrence County area from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.

National Grid is preparing for possible electric service issues that may result from extreme winds overnight and into Friday. Potentially heavy rain and very strong wind gusts are expected across the St. Lawrence Valley service area.

To prepare the company is readying its in-house and contractor crews for deployment to key areas and prepping equipment for potential outages.

Customers who experience an outage should call 1-800-867-5222 to expedite restoration.

To follow restoration progress visit www.nationalgridconnecting.com/.

National Grid offered the following safety tips for high wind situations:

• Strong winds can cause local electrical service interruptions. Have a number of working flashlights, at least one battery-operated radio and an extra supply of batteries on hand.

• Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period.

• 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 1-800-642-4272.

• Consider any downed wire to be live and dangerous. If you see any fallen lines, broken poles or trees touching wires, stay clear of the surrounding area and contact National Grid.

• Customers with generators should be sure to install them outside to avoid deadly carbon monoxide. Open windows are inadequate for safely ventilating a generator. Before installing a generator, disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel.

For up to date weather information visit our weather page.