United Illuminating and Eversource say they are ready for whatever Henri brings this weekend, but they want to make sure residents are prepared too.

Power center: Electric outage resources

LIVE UPDATES: Tracking Henri

Both utilities are asking their customers to be patient.

Eversource President and CEO Joe Nolan said Friday the company has now classified the storm as a Level 3 event, meaning up to 49% of its customers could be without power for over a week.

Officials say they have increased staff and brought in crews from around country and even Canada.

In total, the utility will have 4,000 crews out -- the most its ever had.

UI tells News 12 it has doubled its workforce and have set up staging areas. It's also reminding customers to charge their devices ahead of the storm.

They warn people should stay inside until workers finish their jobs.

The power companies say to never touch downed power lines and to leave them alone.

MORE: 7 refrigerated and frozen food safety tips during and after a power outage