NEWBURGH – Insurance claims people have been receiving reports in the last couple of days that when people's electricity is being turned back on, the power surge is blowing their TVs or other electronic equipment or appliances.

Jack Smith, vice president of William A. Smith and Son Insurance headquartered in Newburgh has a word of advice to people reading this on their smartphones or tablets.

“My advice would be to run around and unplug some of these expensive refrigerators and televisions, computer systems; even if you do have them connected to a surge protector, you're better off unplugging them and when you know the power is back on, plugging them back in and restarting them” he said.

The utility companies say they are making headway in restoring power in the Mid-Hudson and Catskills from Hurricane Sandy. An estimated 400,000 customers lost service and many will not have it restored for another week or so.