NEW JERSEY – Officials of SUEZ are assuring their customers that they are prepared for Tropical Storm Elsa and urged them to plan ahead for potential emergencies.
The utility company announced today that it is prepared to protect facilities and infrastructure that are vital to keeping customers well supplied during severe weather conditions, including Tropical Storm Elsa that is now making its way up the east coast.
SUEZ Director of Operations Jim Mastrokalos said, “our teams closely monitor the weather and will be prepared to make any adjustments necessary to maintain residents’ water quality and service, the integrity of our water treatment plants or supply dams and precious water supplies.
“When a severe storm occurs, our goal is to respond as quickly as possible to all emergency situations that may arise, rapidly restore any disrupted services and keep the water flowing,” Mastrokalos added.
Mastrokalos noted that specific measures were being taken that include testing backup generators, ensuring that water storage facilities are full and maintaining an extra supply of water treatment compounds. Company officials also work closely with local emergency response teams to coordinate emergency preparation and response activities.
“Many local agencies and organizations team together with SUEZ to prepare for severe storms. Our customers can also prepare themselves by checking personal emergency preparedness plans now, before an emergency strikes,” he added.
He also said that customers should be sure to protect their property and ensure they have emergency supplies on hand, such as flashlights, batteries and food. “While SUEZ will always to do its best to maintain service during an emergency, we encourage our customers to store extra tap water in clean, food-grade storage containers.”
Prior to containers being filled with drinking water, they should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water, then rinsed with clean water and sealed with original tops. Place a “drinking water” label on the containers and include a storage date.
Customers should not store containers in direct sunlight or in areas near toxic substances such as gasoline or chemicals. Additional, helpful emergency preparedness tips are available at fema.gov.
Should an emergency action plan be activated, customers can obtain updated information by calling 877-565-1456 or visiting mysuezwater.com
