​As BGE readies, customers also urged to proactively prepare

BALTIMORE (September  2, 2016) – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) is monitoring the path of Tropical Storm Hermine, which some forecasts indicate could impact BGE’s service area as early as Saturday morning and as late as Monday afternoon.  While most customers will experience wind and rain, the greatest impact is expected to be south and east along the coastal areas.  BGE is making staffing preparations in order to respond to any potential service interruptions caused by the anticipated heavy rain and high wind gusts that may result from a major coastal storm.  In addition to the company’s 3,200 employees, BGE is activating additional support contractors and has begun the process of preparing for additional staffing adjustments as needed.  The company also asks customers to make sure they have contingency plans and supplies prepared should they become necessary.

Customers should report service interruptions or downed wires to BGE at 1-877-778-2222. BGE asks all customers, including those with smart meters, to report their outage. Outages may also be reported at BGE.com, through Facebook at facebook.com/myBGE, or by text.  Text “ADDOUTAGE” to MYBGE (69243), to enroll in our two-way texting program to report outages and check the status of restoration.

Customers can find information on preparing for natural disasters and other emergency events at the storm center on bge.com, as well as storm preparation information and restoration progress via BGE’s social media sites on Twitter and Facebook. We thank our customers in advance for taking the time to prepare their homes and families.

Should the storm affect central Maryland, BGE will work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, but restoration will not begin until it is safe for crews to perform work. Work from bucket trucks is suspended when high wind speeds do not permit safe operation.  BGE works with its Exelon sister utilities—Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva Power, ComEd, PECO and Pepco—as well as other utilities nationwide to coordinate mutual assistance support where it is needed. 

BGE will update customers through the company’s website, local media, and social media.  BGE will also update customers who have signed up through their online accounts for phone, text or email alerts.  Visit bge.com/alerts to choose how to receive information, via text, email or phone, including when power is out in your area, when service is expected to be restored, or when power is restored. 
   
Customers are reminded to have the following basic items on hand:

• Flashlights – not candles
• Fresh batteries
• Battery-operated clock radio
• Corded telephone
• Fully charged cell phone
• Non-perishable foods
• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
• First aid kit
• Local maps
• Blankets

In addition, customers should consider filling the fuel tanks of their vehicles in the event a power outage affects service to neighborhood gas stations. For customers who rely on well water, filling a bathtub with water in advance of severe weather is strongly encouraged. Customers using a generator should follow manufacturer instructions and be sure to locate generators outside, in well-ventilated areas. Customers with special needs, such as those who may be elderly, disabled or dependent on electricity for medical equipment, should have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage.

In instances of long periods of heavy rain, BGE prepares for the very real potential of not only outages relating to overhead power lines, but also outages caused by flooding in cases where water enters gas and electric meters. In cases where flooding affects equipment after the meter, customers are responsible for all wiring, pipe, appliances, breaker boxes and any other gas or electric-related equipment or service inside the home or business.

Customers are urged to consider the following safety tips:

• Proceed with care if you have experienced flooding in your basement and/or other areas of your home
• Do not enter a room with standing water, particularly if the water covers electrical outlets or electrical cords that are plugged into outlets
• Ensure the electrical system is shut off before entering a flooded room or basement
• Do not attempt to shut off your electrical system if you have to stand in water or on a wet floor to do so

If you experienced flooding, do not turn on any lights or appliances without having a comprehensive inspection performed by a licensed electrician and also by a registered plumber with a gasfitter's license for gas appliances.

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BGE, founded in 1816 as the nation’s first gas utility, is Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility. Headquartered in Baltimore, BGE delivers power to more than 1.25 million electric customers and more than 650,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company’s approximately 3,200 employees are committed to the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas and electricity, as well as enhanced energy management, conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.