Orange and Rockland Utilities is mobilizing its emergency response workforce ahead of Friday's extreme heat and scattered thunderstorms.

The utility company says the chance of storm and heat could pose a significant threat to electric service due to high winds, lightning, or downed trees and tree limbs. In addition to O&R's overhead line crews, tree removal experts and emergency response team, the company is also bringing on 125 mutual aid crew members to respond to emergencies throughout the storms as needed.

If storms bring down any wires, O&R says to always assume the wire is energized and dangerous. That means you should not touch or approach them. If you see one down, always call O&R to report it. You can also call your local police department to divert traffic from the downed wire’s location until crews arrive.

O&R also reminds customers of the multiple ways to report an outage if they experience one. They can report it online from any computer or web-based mobile device, and also use the O&R mobile app on their iPhone, iPad or Android device. They can also text “OUT” to 678797 (ORUPWR) or call 1 (877) 434-4100.

The Rockland County government says cooling centers will be open throughout the county today, urging residents to stay hydrated, use air conditioning when possible and limit their time outdoors.