12:35 p.m.: We have an update from PECO, where they have mobilized 3,000 employees and outside contractors to do battle with Hurricane Sandy:
PHILADELPHIA (October 29, 2012) –Forecasted to bring upwards of 10 inches of torrential rain and 50 mph winds (with gusts of up to 80 mph) to the region, Hurricane Sandy is expected to result in historic flooding and severe damage to electric lines and equipment.
In response, PECO has mobilized more than 3,000 employees, contractors and out-of-state crews to respond to the devastating effects of this potentially record-breaking storm. This massive effort includes more than 1,500 field personnel from utilities as far away as Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as field personnel from PECO’s Chicago-based sister utility ComEd.
Crews stand ready to repair storm damage and restore service to customers as quickly and safely as possible. Depending on the severity of this storm, there is the potential that PECO may not be able to immediately provide estimated restoration times until we are able to more fully assess damage to our system.
Customers who experience an outage or issue with their natural gas service should call the company immediately at 1-800-841-4141. The more customers who call to report an outage, the more effectively PECO can dispatch crews and restore service.
PECO reminds customers to stay safe during the storm. With saturated ground and high winds, customers may encounter tree damage and downed power lines as the storm intensifies. Customers should always assume that downed lines and equipment are energized and extremely dangerous. Customers also should never enter basements that are flooded until power is de-energized. Stay away from any flood-covered electric equipment in neighborhoods, even if electricity has been terminated in the area.
PECO’s Emergency Response Organization has been activated since Thursday morning, Oct. 25. Field crews and personnel will work to repair damage and safely restore service to customers as quickly as possible.
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.
• Stay away from downed wires, damaged electric equipment and tree limbs or 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 will know when service has been restored.
• 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.
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