Pepco Prepared for Wintry Mix of Snow, Freezing Rain and Sleet - Community Advisory

*Taken from Pepco Press Release*

Utility Asks Customers to Make Preparations and Request Call Back if Power Lost

Pepco is closely monitoring the wintry mix of hazardous weather that has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Weather Advisory for the Washington Metro Area. The National Weather Service predicts that overnight we will have snow, freezing rain, and sleet that will turn to freezing rain and sleet early Saturday morning. Little or no ice accumulation is expected with new snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

The heavy wet snow and freezing rain can weigh down tree limbs bringing them into contact with power lines causing power outages. Also, the combination of wet snow, freezing rain, and sleet can saturate the soil causing trees already weakened by previous storms to fall onto power lines and equipment causing power outages.

Pepco Adds Crews

In anticipation of the inclement weather, Pepco has scheduled additional line personnel and tree trimming crews for this evening and through tomorrow morning. Pepco will continue to monitor the weather and customer outage activity and can adjust its resource plans accordingly throughout the evening.

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 or infant supplies on hand.
· If you or someone you know 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 your 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 you have an electrically operated sump pump, you should not turn off your power.
Safety Tips
· Stay away from downed wires.
· Tune to local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information.
· Follow the advice of your local emergency management officials.
· Take cover if necessary.

For more information and updates, visit www.pepco.com and follow Pepco at www.twitter.com/PepcoConnect.