IMPORTANT: First Energy Prepared to Respond to Winter Storm
From
Delaware Water Gap
Sent
Fri, Dec 23 @ 9:27am
Description
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) utility personnel are prepared to respond to
possible service interruptions caused by a significant winter storm that is expected to bring ice,
snow, rain, heavy wind and bitterly cold temperatures to its service territory beginning this
afternoon through Saturday.
Company meteorologists have been tracking the winter storm for several days and
expect severe winds and extreme cold throughout its entire service territory. In addition, ice
accumulations are forecast in eastern West Virginia, northwestern Maryland and southwestern
Pennsylvania, and heavy, blowing snow is expected throughout Ohio and parts of Pennsylvania
and West Virginia. Heavy rain could occur in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Severe weather – particularly the wind, with widespread gusts of 40 to 50 miles per
hour and reaching higher than 60 miles per hour along the lakeshores and ridgetops – will
continue for more than 12 hours, impacting power restoration efforts. Line crews cannot safely
go up in bucket trucks to make repairs when wind speeds are excessive. In addition,
plummeting temperatures will flash freeze standing water, creating icy road conditions that can
make it difficult to access damage to make repairs. Crews will need to take frequent breaks to
warm up in their trucks with wind chills dipping as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
FirstEnergy’s electric utilities are implementing storm response plans, which include
staffing additional operators, damage assessors and analysts at distribution control centers, and
arranging to bring in additional line, substation and forestry personnel. The company has also
notified contractors who work throughout FirstEnergy’s footprint on service reliability projects
to be on deck to assist with restoration efforts. The company will coordinate with contractors
and electric industry mutual assistance organizations to obtain additional resources, based on
the magnitude of the storm.
FirstEnergy representatives have also been in contact with emergency management
officials, state officials, regulators and local officials about the company’s storm preparation
efforts.
How to Report Power Outages and Downed Lines
Customers who experience a service interruption due to the storm are encouraged to
report their outage by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), texting OUT to LIGHTS (544487)
or clicking the "Report Outage" link on www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.
FirstEnergy customers can sign up to receive email and text message alert notifications
for updates after they’ve reported a power outage. Customers can also use two-way text
messaging to report outages, request updates on restoration efforts and make other inquiries
about their electric accounts. More information about these communications tools is available
at www.firstenergycorp.com/connect.
Ice accumulation can bring down power lines and tree branches. Customers should
assume all downed or low-hanging power lines are energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30
feet away and use extra caution where downed lines are tangled in trees or other debris, and
do not touch anything that is also in contact with a power line. Report downed lines ASAP by
calling 911.
For updated information on the company's current outages, the company’s storm
restoration process and tips for staying safe, visit FirstEnergy’s 24/7 Power Center at
www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.
Customers Encouraged to Prepare in Advance of the Storm
FirstEnergy encourages customers to plan for the possibility of power outages and cold
temperatures due to the impending winter storm by following these tips:
• Keep electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops and tablets fully charged.
• Have a car charger on-hand to charge mobile devices if your power is out. If you have a
smart phone, this will ensure you have access to online information sources.
• Keep a flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries handy in the event of a power
outage. Tune to a local station for current storm information.
• Gather extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person.
• Do not use gas stoves, kerosene heaters or other open-flame heat sources to prevent
deadly carbon monoxide gas from building up in your home.
• If you have a water well and pump, keep an emergency supply of bottled water and/or
fill your bathtub with fresh water.
• Stock an emergency supply of convenience foods that do not require cooking.
• Consider having a hard-wired phone available to report an outage or emergency. A
plain, hard-wired phone can operate on power delivered through the phone line
Operate Backup Generators Safely:
Emergency power generators offer an option for customers needing or wanting
uninterrupted service. To ensure the safety of the home's occupants as well as that of utility
company employees who may be working on power lines in the area, the proper generator
should be selected and installed by a qualified electrician.
When operating a generator, the power coming into the home should always be
disconnected. Otherwise, power from the generator could be sent back onto the utility lines,
creating a hazardous situation for utility workers. Locate the generator outside of your home
and far away from windows, doors and vents. Never locate a generator inside your home.
View additional generator safety information.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 1
This notification was posted by Delaware Water Gap. Delaware Water Gap is solely responsible for this notification and unless specifically indicated, no other community or individual utilizing Savvy Citizen is sponsoring, responsible for, or endorsing this notification.
