[WardFive] Fw: Information from Donna Cooper re: Pepco's Preparations for Possible Severe Thunderstorms

"Let there be Lights"
 
Albrette "Gigi" Ransom
Commissioner, ANC 5C12
_________________________________________

---- Forwarded Message -----
From: "ldbunch@pepco.com" <ldbunch@pepco.com>
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Cc: dcooper@pepco.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 10:48 AM
Subject: Information from Donna Cooper re: Pepco's Preparations for Possible Severe Thunderstorms

                        September 18, 2012                                                                                                           701 Ninth Street NW

Washington, DC  20068
pepco.com
NYSE: POM

Media Contact: Bob Hainey
202-872-2680 (office)
rshainey@pepcoholdings.com

Pepco Prepared for Possible Severe Thunderstorms
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pepco is closely monitoring the path of a large intense storm system that will impact the entire service territory throughout the day.
The National Weather Service has said that the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area could experience an extended period of severe weather through the afternoon rush hour. The main threats include widespread damaging winds in excess of 50 miles per hour in strong thunderstorms, heavy rains and the potential for flooding in certain areas. Isolated tornadoes are possible.
High winds can bring tree limbs into contact with power lines and causing power outages. The winds can also affect trees in saturated soil and trees weakened by previous storms and cause them to fall onto power lines and equipment to cause power outages.
In anticipation of severe thunderstorms, Pepco has scheduled extra distribution line crews and additional tree trimming crews tonight and Wednesday.  If needed, Pepco will also be able to redeploy contract crews scheduled for reliability work to storm restoration work, and Call Center personnel will work overnight as needed.
 Pepco has also reached out to state and local emergency management agencies and shared its weather forecast and plans. Pepco will continue to monitor the weather and customer outage activity and adjust its resource plans accordingly through the weekend.
PLEASE CALL TO REPORT OUTAGES AND ASK FOR CALL BACK
Customers are urged to report outages and downed wires by calling,
1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) and follow the prompts.
Customers may also report outages by visiting pepco.com.
Customers' reports are extremely vital to Pepco's restoration efforts. Combined with other customer calls and Pepco's technology, it helps the company identify the precise location of outages more quickly.
Pepco also recommends that when reporting an outage, customers request a call back to confirm their power has been restored.
Pepco urges its customers to prepare for potential power outages and act to ensure their safety. Here are some tips:
•        Have adequate prescription medicines and/or infant supplies on hand.
•        If a customer or someone the customer knows uses life-support equipment that requires electricity to operate, identify a location with emergency power capabilities and make plans to go there during a prolonged outage.
•        Assemble an emergency "storm kit."  Include a battery-powered radio or television, flashlight, a first-aid kit, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, special needs items, an insulated cooler, and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.
•        Keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water and have a hand-operated can opener available.
•        Have a telephone with a cord or cell phone to use as a backup. Cordless telephones require electricity to operate, and will not work if there is an outage.
•        Protect electronic equipment. Unplug sensitive electronics or plug computers and other sensitive equipment into surge suppressors, and consider a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for temporary battery backup power.
•        Turn off power to flood-prone basement appliances, if it is safe to do so. However, if the customer has an electrically operated sump pump, the customer should not turn off the power.
Safety Tips
•        Stay away from downed wires.
•        Tune to local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information.
•        Follow the advice of local emergency management officials.
•        Take cover if necessary.
For more information and updates, visit www.pepco.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter at PepcoConnect and download our mobile app at www.pepco.com/mobileapp.
                                                                                   ###        
Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 788,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.







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