Utility companies faced customers Wednesday evening about their response to a series of powerful March storms.

The public forum was held at JFK High School in Somers. State Sen. Terrence Murphy co-hosted the event.

"We want to know, in case of emergency, what kind of communication is going to be sent out," Murphy said.

Murphy shared the stage with other lawmakers and representatives from power utilities Con Edison and NYSEG.

Dozens turned out to speak out on behalf of the 160,000 homes and businesses that lost power during the March storms.

In response to an impassioned plea from one resident to make senior living centers a priority, a NYSEG representative said the utility was closely looking into critical facilities.