Customers are encouraged to take steps now to prepare their homes and families in advance of the forecasted weather system

BALTIMORE (July 27, 2014) – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) is mobilizing field crews and employees today in advance of forecasted thunderstorms; positioning crews to respond to weather-related power outages as quickly and as safely as possible, should they occur. Today’s forecast brings the potential for thunderstorms with high wind gusts and scattered lightning to the company’s central Maryland service area early this evening and throughout the day Monday. Just as BGE is preparing for the potential of severe weather, the company encourages customers to take steps now to prepare their homes and families in advance of the impact of the forecasted thunderstorms.

“The safety of our customers and our employees is our top priority and we encourage our customers to take the time now to have essential items and information ready and available prior to the impact of today’s forecasted storm,” said Stephen J. Woerner, president and chief operating officer for BGE. “Preparation is important as summer storms can quickly move into our service area with great intensity and without warning. We appreciate our customers’ efforts to prepare in advance for adverse weather and for their assistance in identifying and reporting outages and downed wires by calling BGE at 877.778.2222 or online via mobile phones and devices at the company’s mobile-enabled version of bge.com.”

Customers can also visit bge.com to view the company’s outage map and find information about storm preparedness and service restoration status. BGE keeps customers informed throughout severe weather events using a variety of channels, including traditional news media, bge.com and its social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr).

As a reminder, BGE customers who may be elderly, disabled or dependent on electricity for medical or life-sustaining equipment (Customers with Special Needs), should always have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage.

BGE encourages its customers and employees to proactively prepare for severe weather and the possibility of power outages and to take steps to ensure the safety of their families and property during service interruptions by taking the following steps:

• Stay informed – Be aware of changing weather conditions and plan ahead. Have a battery-powered radio with a weather band so you can hear emergency information when the power is out.
• Make a plan – Discuss and document an emergency plan with those in your care. Develop a family emergency plan that includes alternative arrangements should the need arise to leave your home.Make provisions for special needs of any family member such as the elderly, disabled, medically affected or infants. If you are dependent on electric-powered medical equipment, you are encouraged to seek alternate arrangements in the event that your electric service is interrupted. 
• Make a list of emergency phone numbers (including 877.778.2222 to report an outage or a downed wire to BGE) and keep a personal telephone book and one corded phone or a cell phone on hand. 
• Build an emergency kit – Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care. Remember supplies for children, those with special needs and pets. 
• Keep the following items readily available:
• Flashlights – not candles
• Fresh batteries
• Battery-operated clock radio
• Corded telephone
• Fully charged cell phone
• Non-perishable foods o Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
• First aid kit
• Local maps
• Blankets

Customers also 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.

In addition to monitoring current and approaching weather conditions that could result in service interruptions, BGE regularly conducts emergency training drills during which all aspects of storm-related service restoration are tested. BGE’s most recent drill occurred in May of this year and involved a detailed review of BGE’s Electric Delivery Emergency Response Plan to ensure that storm response procedures are up-to-date and in line with industry standards. C

ustomers can find information on preparing for natural disasters and other emergency events at bge.com, as well as storm preparation information and restoration progress via BGE’s social media sites on Twitter and Facebook.

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BGE, headquartered in Baltimore, is Maryland’s largest gas and electric utility, delivering power to more than 1.2 million electric customers and more than 655,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company’s approximately 3,400 employees are committed to the safe and reliable delivery of 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, with 2013 revenues of approximately $24.9 billion. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.