Pepco, in a press release, stated that they are continuing to closely monitor a weather forecast that calls for a combination of rain, snow, ice, and gusty winds that are expected to impact the company’s service area today and Thursday of this week.
The combination of heavy wet snow, ice, and windy conditions can down trees and tree limbs that can damage the local energy grid and result in power outages for customers. These conditions also increase the potential for vehicles to contact local utility poles and other equipment, resulting in power outages for customers.
Pepco said they are prepared for this event and have enhanced the staffing plans to ensure necessary resources are available to respond for Pepco customers. In addition to internal line mechanics and other field workers, Pepco has local overhead line contractors and tree-trimming personnel available to assist in any restoration effort. The company also will have additional customer care representatives available to handle customer emergency and outage calls. Should Pepco need extra assistance, the company can call on shared resources from other nearby companies in the Exelon family.
Just like we prepare for potential damage that may occur, it’s always a good idea for customers to prepare in advance for any forecasted severe weather as follows:
- Customers who need power for critical medical equipment should be prepared to relocate to a facility with electricity in case there is a power outage.
- Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available.
- Charge cell phones, like those from Refurbished iPhone Melbourne, and other mobile devices.
- Consider backup chargers. Sportsman generators’ specialty lies in its portability. While being portable, it packs a lot of power to supply electricity to even the most demanding gadgets.
- Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
- More tips available at pepco.com/storm.
Also, if storm damage does occur:
- Always stay away from any storm-damaged electrical equipment, especially downed power lines and tree limbs that may come into contact with power lines.
- Check on elderly neighbors and relatives.
- Don’t connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring. Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
- Turn on the water to a trickle to help prevent pipes from freezing.
- Tune in to local radio stations for safety and status reports.
Lastly, Pepco encourages you to remind your residents to report outages and downed wires.
- Pepco is urging customers to stay away from downed wires and assume any downed wire is energized.
- To report an outage or downed wire, call 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) or report and track through Pepco’s mobile app or Pepco website at pepco.com/storm.
- Customers also can text “Out” to 48710 to report their outage.
- Customers must first text “ADD OUTAGE” to 48710 to sign up for this service.
- Customers also are encouraged to follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/pepco and on Twitter at twitter.com/pepco to get the latest information from the company.
To report any outages or downed wires and to request callbacks, please adhere to the following:
Customers’ reports are vital to Pepco’s restoration efforts. Pepco also recommends that, when reporting an outage, customers request an automated call when their power is restored.
Callbacks allow Pepco to notify customers when work in their area is completed and they also help Pepco locate outages that may be specific to customers’ homes.
As always, we are working to continue to provide you with safe and reliable service and ask that everyone work to maintain their safety during this COVID-19 pandemic experience.
If you have any additional questions, pls. reach out to me via email or cell phone (202) 360-7407.
