BALTIMORE (JUNE 23, 2015) — Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) is closely monitoring an approaching weather front that will likely bring thunderstorms and heavy rains to central Maryland this afternoon and evening. Just as the company is preparing field crews and employees to respond to any power outages that may result from the forecasted weather, BGE reminds its customers to make preparations for their homes and families.

“We are taking all the necessary steps so we can restore customers safely and quickly if the forecasted storm results in outages,” said Steve Woerner, president and chief operating officer for BGE. “We also encourage our customers to take precautions by having essential emergency items and important information such as contact numbers readily available.”

One number customers should keep handy is BGE’s outage line in the event they experience a service interruption. BGE asks all customers, including those with smart meters, to report their outages by calling 877.778.2222. Customers may also report power outages via mobile phones and devices at bge.com. Customers are also reminded to stay away from downed wires, and to also report those to BGE by calling 877.778.2222.

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 contact information (including bge.com to report an outage and 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 o 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

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. For more information on storm preparedness and safety,visit bge.com/SummerReady.

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BGE, headquartered in Baltimore, is Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility, delivering 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, with 2014 revenues of approximately $27.4 billion. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.