Delmarva Power Preparing to Support Customers Ahead of This Weekend’s Winter Weather

With winter weather expected to bring snow and freezing rain across central Maryland and Delaware beginning late Saturday, Jan. 24, and continuing through Monday, Jan. 26, Delmarva Power is taking steps to ensure customers have the support they need before, during, and after the storm.

Delmarva Power is mobilizing for this winter storm and has proactively increased staffing to ensure crews are available to respond to any power outages as quickly and safely as possible. Of particular concern is the potential for a significant accumulation of snow, followed by sleet or freezing rain, which can have a severe impact on trees and power lines. Downed trees, limbs and other debris cause approximately half of all power outages during storms. Our preparations are focused on keeping customers safe and restoring service promptly if the weather causes damage.

Helping Customers Prepare

• Delmarva Power encourages customers to take simple steps now to stay safe and comfortable if the storm affects power in their area:
• Keep bottled water and non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food on hand.
• Customers who rely on electricity for medical equipment, or who may be elderly or have disabilities, should confirm backup plans in case of an extended outage.
• Assemble an emergency storm kit with a battery-powered radio, flashlight, a first-aid kit, blankets, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, medications, multi-purpose tool and list of important/emergency phone numbers.
• Fully charge cell phones, computers, electric vehicles, and other devices before the storm arrives.
• If you have a landline, keep a corded phone available in case mobile devices lose power.
• Place a working flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.

For Natural Gas Customers:

• Please keep your natural gas appliances vents clear. Identify the location of outside utility equipment such as natural gas or electric meters and gas regulators that could be covered in snow and may be susceptible to damage from snow shovels and mechanized snow removal equipment.
• Know where your natural gas appliances vent to the exterior and ensure the vents are clear. If these vents become blocked by snow or ice, exhaust may back up resulting in carbon monoxide build-up or a release of natural gas.
• Use a broom or brush to gently clear the area around the meter of anything blocking it, including debris, ice and snow.
• Do not melt ice or snow on meters with a heat source, and do not chip or scrape ice. These methods can damage or break the meter.
• It is also important to remove icicles that hang over the meter and can drip freezing water that may damage equipment.
• If you smell natural gas or suspect a gas leak, get to a safe location and immediately call 9-1-1 or Delmarva Power at 302-454-0317.

How to report outages:

Delmarva Power asks all customers to report outages in any of the following ways:

• Online at delmarva.com/storm
• Delmarva Power's free mobile app
• Text message, to 67972
• Phone, by calling 1-800-898-8042.

These reporting services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To sign up for email and text notifications, visit delmarva.com/alerts.

Restoration priorities

Delmarva Power's restoration priorities are public safety and other essential services such as 911 centers, hospitals, and pumping stations. Then restoration is generally scheduled so that the greatest number of customers can be restored as quickly and safely as possible. However, in cases of extended power outages, consideration is also given to customers who have been without service for the longest.

Downed wires: safety reminder

As a reminder, fallen overhead power lines should never be approached or touched even if the lines do not appear to be live or sparking. Call Delmarva Power (1-800-898-8042) to report fallen electrical lines and power outages.

Delmarva Power customers are encouraged to visit delmarva.com/alerts before winter weather grips the region. Customers can receive updates on their energy usage and information regarding power outages via text, email, or phone, including when power is out, when service is expected to be restored, or when power is restored. In addition, customers can text "ADD OUTAGE" to 67972, to enroll in our two-way texting program to report outages and check the status of an outage.

To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit The Source, Delmarva Power's online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting delmarva.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/DelmarvaPower and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/DelmarvaConnect. Delmarva Power's mobile app is available at delmarva.com/MobileApp.