NEWARK, N.J., Nov. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey's largest electric and gas utility, is preparing for the approaching winter storm system expected to hit the region tomorrow morning through Thanksgiving morning, bringing with it the potential for rain changing to heavy, wet snow.

In anticipation of the storm, PSE&G is ensuring that all available personnel are ready to respond beginning tomorrow morning. The utility is also arranging for additional tree crews to assist PSE&G's own skilled workforce, and ensuring that additional supplies including poles and transformers are on hand.

While snow usually isn't an issue for utilities, the possibility of a wet snow can increase the likelihood of downed tree limbs and wires, which causes power outages. Vehicles striking utility poles can also cause wires to come down.

PSE&G urges its customers to be cautious if they see downed lines. Downed wires should always be considered "live." Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with.

To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G's Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. Customers can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account on www.pseg.com, PSE&G's mobile-friendly website.

PSE&G offers the following tips to customers to prepare:

• Charge your cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices.
• Fill up your car's fuel tank.
• Ensure you have a battery-powered radio and a supply of fresh batteries.
• Check your supply of flashlights, blankets, nonperishable food and bottled water for everyone in your family.
• Put your refrigerator and freezer at the coldest setting. Keep a blanket handy to throw over these appliances for added insulation. If electricity is interrupted, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
• Compile a list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G's Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires.

PSE&G offers its customers a number of ways to stay in touch and stay informed before, during and after a storm. These tools can be found at www.pseg.com in the "Storm Center," under "How you can stay connected."

• Sign up for My Account and bookmark the mobile-friendly homepage on your smart phone so it's easy to report outages and check restoration progress.
• To report power outages via text message, and receive outage updates by text and email, sign up for MyAlerts.
• Updated every 15 minutes, PSE&G's online "Outage Map" displays the location and status of power outages in PSE&G's service territory.
• The utility's Twitter and Facebook pages also keep the public informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a follower to monitor restoration process.
• Be sure everyone in the family is prepared. Go to www.pseg.com/sesamestreet to learn how to download the PSEG and Sesame Street "Let's Get Ready!" emergency preparedness app, along with tips on how to be ready for any emergency.

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG), a diversified energy company.

Want to know what's new at PSEG? Go to www.pseg.com/getnews and sign up to have our press releases sent right to your inbox.

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SOURCE Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G)