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UPDATE: Power Outages Reported in Bellmore-Merrick

Hurricane Sandy has arrived in Bellmore and Merrick, and she's leaving many customers are without power.

According to the LIPA Storm Center Outage Map, 425 customers are without power south of Camp Avenue between Meadowbrook Road and Merrick Avenue. Near the intersection of Merrick Avenue and Camp Avenue, another 220 customers are powerless, while 192 more are out a little bit south towards Sunrise Highway.

Another 82 customers are without power on Jerusalem Avenue between Bellmore Avenue and Merrick Avenue, while 51 are out on Jerusalem Avenue eastward of Newbridge Road. South of that, another 222 are without power between the same two Avenues. 

On Sunrise Highway, 192 people are without power near the Merrick Avenue intersection. 78 more are powerless in the vicinity Meadowbrook Road and Merrick Road.

As of 5:30 p.m., there are 1,753 active outages affecting 295,928 customers. 

To report an outage to LIPA, call 1-800-490-0075 or text 'REG' to 695472 (myLIPA) and then 'OUT.' For more important emergency contacts, tips and links, click here.

In a statement released Sunday, LIPA told customers to expect heavy rain, flooding, and winds in excess of 50 miles per hour through the night that are likely to cause trees and branches to pull down power lines.  The company urged customers to "prepare and plan for power outages, which based on the current track could last between 7 to 10 days."

"Hurricane Sandy remains a threat to Long Island and its effects are already being felt and are expected to worsen throughout the day on Monday," read the release. "LIPA is prepared, our emergency restoration crews are ready, and extra crews and equipment are being mobilized."

However, the company did warn customers that during periods of dangerous storm conditions, its ability to respond to power outages and provide information about when power will be restored will be limited, adding, "while we will restore power to the maximum extent possible, the safety of the public and our workforce is the highest priority."

The utility company also reminded customers to:
  • Never touch or go near fallen wires, even if you think they are safe. Parents can use this opportunity to remind children that wires are dangerous. If you are in a vehicle that comes in contact with a downed wire, stay in your vehicle until help arrives.
  • Make sure you have a working, battery powered radio or TV and a good supply of fresh replacement batteries.
  • Have flashlights available for all family members.
  • If an electric pump supplies your water, fill spare food-grade containers with water for cooking and washing in anticipation of a possible power interruption.
  • Make sure all motor driven equipment, such as garage door openers, can be operated manually.
  • When using a portable generator, make sure all LIPA-powered equipment is disconnected. This will avoid severe hazards when reconnecting the power to your home or business.
  • Have a first aid kit at home and check its contents to make sure they are complete and up to date. If you have family members with special medical needs, such as insulin or other prescription drugs, check to make sure you have an adequate supply.
  • Do not use charcoal to cook indoors; deadly carbon monoxide gas can accumulate in your home.
  • If you have an elderly neighbor, be a Good Samaritan and check on his or her status. Even a quick telephone call during a storm can provide much appreciated assurance that help is nearby if needed.
  • Should an electric power interruption occur, all sensitive equipment, such as computers and TVs should be disconnected until service is restored
  • While LIPA does not provide generators to customers, if you have a generator we remind you to use it safely.
This story was updated at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 29.

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Lu Scala May 17, 2013 at 08:49 am
I never had any kids.. and am the last kid who went to to the Bellmore Merrick school system.....itsRead More been almost 40 years since I was a Mempham grad..and it is very disharting to hear that my many many high tax dollars..are not enought for these kids I have been sororting all these years!!! Who is getting all the money??? Its all bull.. aI live inbetween teachers.. how is it they can afford high end cars, housekeepers, landscapers, ect??????... the money is being spent in the WRONG WAYS TO THE TEACHERS, AND MOST OF ALL THE ADMISTRATION, THE SCHOOL BOARD ECT... I AM CALLING FOR A MASSIVE AUDIT AND GET0 per year.. they afe not worth any more then that.. THE MONEY BACK FROM ANYONE WHO WAS PAID MORE THEN $75,00....
patti May 16, 2013 at 08:28 pm
A bit of a surprise considering kids come home with a supply list a mile long (and average $40-$75).
Michael Ganci (Editor) May 14, 2013 at 01:34 pm
Can you edit above and add photo? Then I will post to top news! Thanks! MG