The
company has begun the process of preparing storm and field personnel, as well
as coordinating with out-of-state mutual assistance crews in preparation
BALTIMORE (Feb. 11, 2014)
— Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) continues
to closely monitor an impending winter storm, forecasted to bring heavy,
wet snow and high wind gusts to BGE’s central Maryland service area Wednesday
evening through Thursday afternoon. The company has begun the process of
preparing employees, including storm and field personnel, as well as
coordinating with out-of-state mutual assistance crews in preparation. Coupled
with high wind gusts, heavy, wet snow can cover tree limbs, electric delivery
equipment and power lines, and cause power outages. BGE reminds its customers
to take the time now to make preparations for their families and homes.
“By taking steps to prepare our field
crews and support staff in advance of tomorrow evening’s forecasted winter
storm, BGE will be in a position to begin restoring service as soon as it is
safe to do so,” said Carol Dodson, vice president and chief customer officer
for BGE. “Customers should prepare for the possibility of extended power
outages in the event that the snowfall causes treacherous road conditions,
which may delay crew travel and restoration times. To assist with
restoration efforts, BGE is also coordinating and securing out-of-state mutual
assistance crews to ensure they are in place in advance of the storm.”
BGE is in the process of setting up
several large, remote staging sites across the service area to provide a base
for BGE and out-of-state crews and vehicles. BGE has taken these proactive
steps so that crews can respond to outages as safely and as quickly as
possible, should they occur.
The safety of BGE’s customers and
employees is always the utility’s top priority. Customers are reminded to stay
away from downed power lines and report both outages and downed lines at 877.778.2222.
Customers may also report
power outages from mobile phones and devices through the company’s new
mobile website at bge.com.
An enhanced power outage map is also available through the
mobile and full websites, and provides the general location and status of
current electric power outages in BGE’s service area. Customers can view
affected area(s), the number of customers affected by an outage, estimated time
of restoration if available, and the status of the field crew assigned to
repair the issue.
Customers
with special needs, such as those who may be elderly, disabled or
dependent on electricity for medical equipment, should have alternate
arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage.
Customers
using a generator or space heater should follow manufacturer instructions and
be sure to locate generators in well-ventilated areas. Any customers using
generators or portable heaters should carefully follow all safety instructions
from the manufacturer. Improper use of this equipment or other appliances
can result in potentially deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, fire or other
dangerous conditions.
BGE encourages its customers and
employees to proactively prepare for severe weather and the possibility of
power outages and to take steps to ensure the safety of their families and
property during service interruptions by taking the following steps:
· Staying
informed – Be aware of changing weather conditions and plan ahead.
Have a battery-powered radio with a weather band so you can hear emergency
information when the power is out.
· Making
a plan – Discuss and document an emergency plan with those in your
care. Develop an emergency plan that includes alternative arrangements should
the need arise to leave your home. Make provisions for special needs of any
family member such as the elderly, disabled, medically affected or infants (Customers with Special Needs). If you are
dependent on electric-powered medical equipment, you are encouraged to seek
alternate arrangements in the event that your electric service is interrupted.
· Making
a list of emergency phone numbers (including 877.778.2222 to report an outage or
a downed wire to BGE) and keep a personal telephone book and one corded phone
or a cell phone on hand. Customers are also able to report power outages from mobile phones
and devices through the mobile website at bge.com.
· Maintaining
an emergency supply kit – Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for
you and those in your care. Remember supplies for children, those with special
needs and pets. Keep the following items readily available:
o Flashlights – not
candles
o Fresh batteries
o Battery-operated
clock radio
o Corded telephone
o Fully charged cell
phone
o Non-perishable foods
o Water – one gallon of
water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
o First aid kit
o Local maps
o Blankets
Customers
also should consider filling the fuel tanks of their vehicles in the event a
power outage affects service to neighborhood gas stations. For customers who
rely on well water, filling a bathtub with water in advance of severe weather
is strongly encouraged.
To
assure uninterrupted gas service, customers are reminded to keep outside gas
meters and attached equipment clear of ice buildup and snow. Check the meter on
a regular basis and gently clear away any ice buildup or snow. A broom makes a
handy tool to gently clear the meter. Even though it may be
tempting do not melt or chip the ice away or use a shovel to scrape it
off. These methods can easily damage or break the meter. It is also
important to remove icicles from the roof or gutters that hang over the
meter. Dripping water can cause freezing and damage the meter or
equipment. If the meter becomes encased in ice, please call BGE at 800.685.0123 for assistance.
BGE's
restoration priorities are public safety issues and critical facilities, such
as 911centers, hospitals and pumping stations. Then restoration is generally
scheduled so that the greatest number of customers can be restored as quickly
and as safely as possible. However, in cases of extended power outages,
consideration is also given to customers who have been without service for the
longest.
Customers
can find information on preparing for natural disasters and other emergency
events at bge.com, as well as storm preparation
information and restoration progress via BGE’s social media sites on Twitter and Facebook.
# # #
BGE, headquartered in Baltimore, is
Maryland’s largest gas and electric utility, delivering power to more than 1.2
million electric customers and more than 655,000 natural gas customers in
central Maryland. The company’s approximately 3,400 employees are committed to
the safe and reliable delivery of gas and electricity, as well as enhanced
energy management, conservation, environmental stewardship and community
assistance. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s
leading competitive energy provider, with 2012 revenues of approximately $23.5
billion.Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
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