Citing "unstable weather forecasted across the area later today," National Grid is seeking to reassure electric customers that the company is prepared to respond to any storms that may occur.

The company says it is readying extra crews and is prepared to activate its storm operations centers across the region in case the storms cause significant outages.

Customers who have notified National Grid that they depend on electric-powered life support equipment are being called and notified to take appropriate precautions.

The National Weather Service forecast for northern New York is calling showers and possible thunderstorms this afternoon and early evening.

National Grid said in a statement this afternoon that it is also "working with state and local officials to ensure a coordinated response and that appropriate communication channels have been established."

"These storms have the potential to be severe in nature and may bring frequent lightning, damaging winds and hail, and with the unstable atmospheric conditions they could pop up anywhere," said Keith McAfee, National Grid Operations vice president for upstate New York. "We want our customers and communities to know we stand ready to respond to whatever today brings. We're here for our customers."

They are offering tips to stay safe in storms:

• Seek shelter as soon as possible if a storm approaches. Remember – if you can hear thunder, lightning may be close enough to strike

• Post National Grid's emergency outage reporting number-1-800-867-5222-near your telephone so it will be handy if you lose power

• Track and report power outages on the Outage Central page of www.nationalgridus.com

• Keep a number of working flashlights, at least one battery-operated radio and an extra supply of batteries on hand. A radio is a good way to stay informed, as National Grid and public safety officials provides news media with timely information regarding service restoration efforts.

Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it's an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food.

People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. Registered life support customers receive special information on how to plan for emergencies and are advised in advance if electrical system maintenance work will affect their service. To register as a National Grid life support customer, call the company's Customer Service Center at 1-800-642-4272.

If you see a downed power line on your street, report it to National Grid and your local emergency response organization. Even though you may see no sparking or arcing, assume all downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Do not go near any wires you see on the ground and keep children and pets indoors until the problem is fixed.