Maryland Power Companies Prepare for Snowstorm

Maryland’s utility companies are preparing for a possible snowstorm for the Baltimore/DC metro areas that could bring up to two feet of snow and high winds, according to weather forecasts.

Snow and wind could bring down trees and power lines, causing widespread outages and making travel difficult, utility officials warn.

Residents should keep these links to the power company that serves their area, so they can report outages. And water main breaks are also a possibility as cold temperatures stress older lines.

Important Maryland Utility Numbers Include:

• PEPCO: 1-877-737-2662
• Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E): 1-877-778-2222 or 1-800-685-0123
• Delmarva Power: 1-800-898-8042
• First Energy/Potomac Edison: 1-888-544-4877
• SMECO: 1-877-747-6326 or 1-888-440-3311
• Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520
• Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission: 1-800-828-4002

The utility companies are encouraging customers to prepare now for possible power outages that could occur as early as Friday, given the potential for heavy snow and high winds as the snowstorm moves across the area.

Preparing for an approaching storm:

• Listen to weather forecasts and plan ahead.
• If you lose power, use flashlights. Do not use candles or kerosene lamps - they can create a safety hazard.
• Develop a family emergency plan that includes alternative arrangements should the need arise to leave your home. Make provisions for special needs family members such as the elderly, disabled, medically affected, or infants. If you are dependent on electric-powered medical equipment, seek alternate arrangements (Customers with Special Needs) in the event of an outage.

Keep the following items on hand:

• Fresh batteries
• A portable radio
• Flashlights
• A manual can opener
• Matches
• A battery-operated or wind-up clock
• Non-perishable food (canned and dried food)
• Fuses
• Sterno

MORE PATCH STORM TIPS:

• Snow Storm Prep: Grocery Store Survival List
• Snow Wednesday Night Before the Blizzard
• What To Do Before Snowstorm Hits Maryland
• How to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing As Temps Drop
• ‘Stay Off The Highways’ This Weekend: MD State Police

Keep a first-aid kit in your home and one in your car. Don’t forget to include: Scissors, tweezers, safety pins, aspirin, eyewash, and rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide

Keep one gallon of bottled water available for each person in the household for each anticipated day without electric service.

If your home is served by well water, fill a bathtub with water for sanitation use.