PECO Weighs In On Hurricane Irene

From Borough Manager Jim Thomas and Council President Mel Keen: 

 

PECO GEARS UP TO RESPOND TO IRENE'S WRATH

Entire Emergency Response Organization Activated

 

Hurricane Irene is forecasted to hit the region in less than 48 hours. PECO's full emergency response organization is getting ready to respond to wicked weather this weekend, repair storm damage, and restore service to customers as quickly and safely as possible.

 

Specifically the company is:

• Placing all available crews and personnel on stand-by
• Securing all available local contractors
• Arranging for supplemental support by PECO's Chicago-based, sister utility – ComEd, and other available crews from regions not affected by Irene

Customers should also prepare for possible storm damage this weekend:

• Keep PECO's emergency telephone number (1-800-841-4141) handy
• Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home
• Have a battery powered clock and radio available

If an outage occurs:

• Customers without power should contact the company at 1-800-841-4141. The more customers who call to report an outage, the more effectively PECO can dispatch crews and restore service. The company's automated telephone system can quickly record your outage, allowing our Customer Care representatives to remain available to handle reports of dangerous situations. 
• Stay away from downed wires, damaged electric equipment, and tree limbs and branches contacting electrical equipment. Always assume PECO's equipment is energized – even if there is an outage in your neighborhood. Report these dangerous conditions to PECO immediately.
• Turn off and unplug appliances and other devices to prevent possible damage. Remember to keep one light on so you know when service has been restored.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Move meats, cheese, milk, etc. into the freezer to stay colder longer. A partially full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 24 hours, and up to 48 hours when full. 
• Customers with generators should never connect them directly to home wiring or plug them into household outlets. Generators connected to home wiring can 'backfeed' into PECO's electric delivery system, risking serious injury or death to PECO crews. Generators should always be placed outside to prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning.