BALTIMORE (June 16, 2015) – As part of National Safety Month and the company’s ongoing efforts to promote safety around electric and natural gas facilities, BGE reminds local contractors and DIYers to be aware of their surroundings when planning projects near electric or natural gas equipment.

Contacting an overhead or underground electric line or underground natural gas line can cause serious injury, damage and service interruptions. It is essential for anyone who is working near this equipment to take the necessary preparations before beginning their work.

Follow these tips: 

• Before digging for any project, call Miss Utility at 811 to arrange for any utility lines to be marked. 
• Contact BGE at 1-800-685-0123. if you are planning any work or activity that may bring yourself, your equipment, and anything you carry within 10 feet of a power line. When unsure, call BGE. 
• Keep ladders and other tools at least 10 feet from overhead power lines. 
• Do not climb or trim trees near power lines. 
• Keep electric tools and appliances away from wet surfaces, including pools and patios. 
• Never approach a downed power line. Always assume a power line is energized and extremely dangerous. 
• If you encounter a downed power line, immediately report it to BGE at 1-877-778-2222.

BGE crews also work year-round to ensure safe and reliable service for customers. Much of this work is completed in area roadways, where lane restrictions provide a temporary work zone for employees. To ensure the safety of motorists and BGE employees and contractors, it’s important to reduce speeds and keep safety top-of-mind when driving through active work zones.

“The safety of our customers, the communities we serve, and employees and contractors is our top priority at BGE,” said Stephen J. Woerner, BGE president and chief operating officer. “Just as we are focused on keeping electric and gas systems safe, we are also working hard to educate our customers and local contractors on how to be safe when working around electric and natural gas facilities and when traveling through utility work zones.”

As part of BGE’s safety commitment, the company has a public safety advertising campaign to educate those who work around overhead and underground power lines, hosts numerous safety education events, and provides information to customers and contractors each year in bill inserts and informational mailings. For more safety information, visit bge.com/safety.

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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.