BGE Preparing for Forecasted High Winds and Winter Weather

High winds could bring trees and tree limbs down onto power lines causing outages
BGE crews prepared to respond safely and quickly

BALTIMORE (Feb. 14, 2015) – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) is mobilizing field personnel, the customer contact center and other support employees in preparation for forecasted high winds Saturday evening into Sunday. As high winds and wind gusts can bring tree limbs down onto power lines and electric delivery equipment, some outages may occur. Customers are reminded to stay away from downed wires and to report both downed wires and power outages by calling BGE at 877.778.2222. BGE asks all customers, including those with smart meters, to report their outages. Customers may also report power outages via mobile phones and devices at bge.com.

"We have taken all the necessary steps to prepare for the forecasted weather and any outages that may result," said Rob Biagiotti, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. "We also encourage our customers to prepare by having essential emergency items and information available. Just as we ensure the safety of our employees, we urge customers to ensure the safety of their families during any interruptions of energy service."

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.

Customers using a generator or space heater should follow manufacturer instructions and be sure to locate generators in well-ventilated areas. Any customers using generators or portable heaters should carefully follow all safety instructions from the manufacturer. Improper use of this equipment or other appliances can result in potential deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, fire or other dangerous conditions.

BGE encourages its customers and employees to proactively prepare for severe weather and the possibility of power outages by taking the following steps:

Staying 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.

Making a plan – Discuss and document an emergency plan with those in your care. Develop an 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 (Customers with Special Needs). 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.

Making 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. Customers are also able to report power outages from mobile phones and devices through the mobile website at bge.com.

Maintaining an emergency supply 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

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.

BGE's restoration priorities are public safety issues and critical facilities, such as 911centers, hospitals and pumping stations. Then restoration is generally scheduled so that the greatest number of customers can be restored as quickly and as safely as possible. However, in cases of extended power outages, consideration is also given to customers who have been without service for the longest.

Customers can find information on preparing for winter weather and 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 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.