Storm Safety

Prepare for a winter storm before it hits

This is the best way to keep you and your family safe. A severe impact storm, like a blizzard, may strike without much warning, causing prolonged power outages. That's why it's important to be prepared by planning ahead before a storm hits. This includes preparing your home, and stocking up on emergency supplies. Here are some tips to consider in the event of a prolonged power outage caused by high winds, heavy snow or ice build-up.

Storms packed with gusty winds, lightning strikes and heavy rains can cause a host of problems, including power outages. Being prepared is the best way to weather a storm. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe:

In an accessible location, have working flashlights, a battery-operated radio equipped with extra batteries, a supply of non-perishable foods (cereal, canned fruits, canned meats, and drinking water), utensils, manual can opener, and first-aid kit.
Ensure that all family members know about your emergency storm safety plan and the location of emergency supplies.
Include in the emergency plan provisions for family members with special medical needs, especially those on life support equipment and vital medications.
Secure loose objects outside your home that may become flying objects during high winds.
Have fire safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher and baking soda available.
If you lose power, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.

Call Weatherline at 410-662-9225 for up-to-the minute weather forecasts. Always put safety first - call BGE immediately at 410-685-0123 or 800-685-0123 to report downed or sparking power lines or unsafe electrical equipment.

Stay away from fallen or low-hanging wires or anything they contact. Be especially cautious near metal fences.

Keep a storm safety kit on hand consisting of:

Flashlights
Extra batteries
Bottled water
Canned food
Manual can opener
Blankets
Battery operated radio and clock
Medications for family members
Corded telephone

Call the Weatherline Forecast Service at 410-662-9225 for up-to-the minute weather forecasts.

If you lose power, call BGE immediately at 1-877-778-2222. It's the fastest and easiest way to report an outage.

Be sure your smoke detectors have battery backups and are operating properly. Replace batteries annually.

Plan where to go if you should need to leave your home.

Turn off or unplug sensitive electronic equipment and appliances.

Don't use candles for lighting, they can create a fire hazard. And never use a gas cooking range for heating, it can create deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

Burn only seasoned wood in your fireplace - no trash, paper or other materials.

Always use a metal screen over the fireplace opening to catch flying sparks, and clear the hearth of any materials.

After the storm has passed:

Call BGE immediately at 410-685-0123 or 1-800 -685-0123 to report downed or sparking power lines or unsafe electrical equipment.

Stay away from fallen or low-hanging wires or anything they contact, and be especially cautious near metal fences.

Tune into local radio stations for safety and status reports.

Other important safety tips:

Install a carbon monoxide detector near bedrooms and any area with a fireplace, furnace or fuel-burning appliance, or in an attached garage.

If you smell natural gas, leave your home immediately and call BGE from the nearest telephone. Call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency gas service. 410-685-0123 or 1-800-685-0123. (Natural gas has a rotten egg odor).

Help BGE meter readers work safely by keeping a clear path to the meter. Keep pathways clear of snow, ice and obstruction, and well lit in the evening.

To assure uninterrupted gas service, keep the outside gas meter and equipment clear of ice buildup and snow. Use only a broom to gently remove any snow around the meter. Never use a shovel to remove snow from the meter or housing vent. If the meter becomes encased in ice, do not attempt to melt or chip the ice away. Call BGE right away at 410-685-0123 or 1-800-685-0123.