Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has restored power to more than 370,000 customers affected by the destruction of Hurricane Sandy, the company said today. The company says more than 6,400 professionals, including 2,500 linemen and 1,500 forestry workers, are focused on bringing back power to about 830,000 customers. Overall, more than 1 million customers were impacted by the storm.

“The majority of customers will be restored by next Wednesday, November 7”, the company said. “Customers in the hardest-hit areas can expect to be restored throughout the following week. A significant number of customers will not be able to receive service until damaged roads, infrastructure and homes are rebuilt”.

Crews are working to repair and restore lines that feed electricity to local substations. Aerial patrols of these lines continued today.

Hurricane Sandy caused widespread destruction in the JCP&L service area. More than 450 utility poles have been damaged and more than 12,000 trees have been cut and removed from JCP&L equipment since the hurricane struck New Jersey on Monday, the company says.

“As debris from the storm is being cleared, customers are cautioned never to touch downed lines. Customers should always assume downed wires are carrying electricity and are reminded to keep children and pets away from them. Downed wires should be reported immediately to your electric company or local police or fire department. Customers should never try to remove trees or limbs from power lines because they could conduct electricity. They should wait for emergency services or utility crews to arrive.”

According to the JCP&L outages map, there are still over 17,000 in Lakewood without power.

“To report an outage, customers should call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) – it’s the fastest way to begin the restoration process. Customers are reminded that even if they do not see crews working in their neighborhood, work could be under way at a nearby substation or other location that serves the neighborhood. The priority for restoration starts with emergency services, including hospitals, police, fire and first aid. Priority is also given to circuits serving the largest number of customers, followed by restoration of service to individual homes.”

Customers with mobile devices can obtain updated information on current outages, FirstEnergy’s storm restoration process and tips for staying safe by visiting www.firstenergycorp.com/outages. TLS.