During a large-scale storm event, the safety of the public is a primary concern of PSEG Long Island. The elimination of hazards to the public takes precedence during emergencies and includes plans to promptly address downed wires within 18 hours of notification of the location of such downed wires from a municipal emergency official, for events up to 5-days, and within 36 hours for events greater than 5-days. Response to down wires involves the dispatch of trained and qualified employees or contractors to investigate reports of downed wires who will then determine whether the incident involves PSEG Long Island equipment (i.e., is not facilities owned by Cable or TelCo), make safe, fix, and, if needed, or arrange for a Wire Watcher to standby the wire and to protect the public until a qualified crew makes it safe or clears the hazard.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Travel to the site of an assigned reported wire down incident. Notify the Wire Down Coordinator or Dispatcher of arrival times.
• Based on the conditions found, assist with wire down response actions (scene safety), such as barricading the location.
• While on the scene, remain a safe distance away from the reported downed wire and ensure that other employees, emergency responders, and the public do so as well.
• Remain onsite until a qualified person can verify that the wire is de-energized or arrives to make repairs.
• Wire Watchers shall continue to maintain safe approach distances, and at no time, shall any conductors be moved.
• Notify the Wire Down Coordinator or Dispatcher of departure times when relieved by another wire watcher, or when leaving the scene due to the arrival of other qualified personnel.