AUGUSTA, Maine, February 13, 2007 — Central Maine Power Co. is preparing for possible power outages due to predictions of heavy snow and strong winds for the area on Wednesday and Thursday.

“The forecast calls for heavy, sticky snow along the coast, deep snow inland, and high winds across our service area. That’s a tough combination for crews and equipment,” said CMP spokesman John Carroll. “The crews are set to go, but we’re expecting difficult road conditions, and high winds will add to the challenge for the next few days.”

CMP offers customers some simple steps to stay safe and comfortable if power outages do occur.

• Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
• When you use an emergency heating source — like a wood stove, fireplace, or kerosene heater — keep fuels away from the flames and be sure to ventilate properly.
• Never use grills or camp stoves indoors — they can give off dangerous gases.
• For customers with generators:
• Carefully read and observe all instructions in your generator’s owner manual.
• Don’t run a generator indoors, even in an open garage.
• Hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.
• Make sure portable generators are properly grounded.
• Don’t store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it’s running.

• Refer to CMP’s web page on generator safety: http://www.cmpco.com/safety/generator.html.

The company urges customers to use caution if they see downed lines.

“Everyone should stay clear of any downed power lines and fallen trees or limbs that may be tangled in the lines,” said Carroll. “These should all be considered live and dangerous. Customers should leave the clean-up to our crews, who are trained and equipped to handle these situations safely.”

CMP also reminds drivers to use caution when approaching utility crews in the roadway. The working conditions are difficult, and they will appreciate everyone’s consideration for their safety.

Additional information on storm safety and restoration, including a town-by-town listing of outages in the CMP service area with an area map, can be found on CMP’s web site at www.cmpco.com.