Hurricane Sandy - precautions recommended by PECO

Sent by a PECO account manager.  Has tips that may be helpful this weekend.

I have listed some tips for your preparation for both your business and your home residence.

• PECO urges anyone who loses power to call the company immediately at 1-800-841-4141.
• HIGH TENSION CUSTOMERS  are to call 1-800-253-0201 or 610-941-1858
• Don’t assume that PECO knows about every power outage.  The more information that can be gathered about storm damage, the better PECO is able to deploy its crews and respond to problems. 
• The heavy rains and possible flooding could cause problems with natural gas service.  PECO’s suburban customers with natural gas service who experience any service problem or notice gas odors are asked to contact the company immediately at 1-800-841-4141.  
•  Assemble a home emergency kit including flashlights with fresh batteries, a battery-powered radio, cellular or non-cordless standard telephone, first aid items, bottled water and non-perishable foods.
• PECO also encourages customers to unplug sensitive electronic appliances like computers, televisions, VCRs, and microwaves. This will protect the equipment from potentially damaging power surges. 

Again, PECO cautions that if the storm is as severe as anticipated, damage could be widespread and cleanup efforts could last for days.  The company urges everyone to be prepared and focus on their personal safety.  Some important safety tips include:

·        Do not enter basements that are flooded.  The water at certain levels could be energized.

·        Flooding can extinguish pilot lights on natural gas house heaters and other appliances.  Natural gas customers experiencing flooding should leave their home immediately and contact PECO.  Do not do anything that could cause a spark (like turning on lights or lighting a match).

·        Sandy could bring high wind gusts to our area.  These fierce winds will likely bring down trees and power lines. PECO urges everyone (including children and pets) to stay away from fallen power lines; downed lines can still be live and dangerous.  Please report downed lines to PECO immediately at 1-800-841-4141. 

If an overhead electrical wire falls on your vehicle, keep driving if possible or stay inside the car and use a cell phone to call for help, if available. If there is a fire, exit immediately by jumping out with both feet together, never touching the car and the ground at the same time.

• PECO discourages the use of candles when power is lost.  If candles must be used, place candles in safe holders and keep safely away from window curtains and any other flammable materials, as well as children and pets.
•  A special message about using portable generators.  Turn off all electrical fuses and circuit breakers when using a portable generator.  This can prevent a possible electrical back feed that can be hazardous to PECO crews working nearby to restore your service.  Generators also can emit carbon monoxide.  Keep generators outside the house and away from intake vents.
• Motorists are also reminded not to drive on roads with standing water.

Lastly, PECO asks for your patience. I am sure some of you will experience frustration while trying to call in to report an outage or request an update.