BGE Prepares for Forecasted Severe Weather Thursday

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) today announced that it is closely monitoring approaching weather systems that will could bring severe weather, including heavy rain, strong wind gusts, lightning and flash flooding, to central Maryland overnight and throughout Thursday.

BGE reported in a news release that it is increasing staffing levels and pre-mobilizing additional line crews to enable restoration efforts as soon as they are safely allowed by weather conditions.

BGE suggests customers prepare as well.

“BGE encourages both its customers and employees to proactively prepare for severe weather and the possibility of power outages and to take steps to ensure the safety of their families and property during service interruptions,” said Carol Dodson, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. 

According to a BGE news release, recent wet weather can weaken root structures, pair that with heavy rain, high wind and wind gusts and you have a recipe for downed trees and limbs on power lines. BGE adds that sustained winds of 25 miles per hour or more make it unsafe to operate bucket trucks necessary for many repairs.

How can you prepare for the storm? BGE recommends the following:

• Stay informed – Be aware of changing weather conditions and plan ahead. Have a battery-powered radio with a weather band so you can hear emergency information when the power is out.

• Make a plan – Discuss and document an emergency plan with those in your care. Develop a familyemergency plan that includes alternative arrangements should the need arise to leave your home. Make provisions for special needs of any family member such as the elderly, disabled, medically affected or infants. If you are dependent on electric-powered medical equipment, you are encouraged to seek alternate arrangements in the event that your electric service is interrupted.

• Make a list of emergency phone numbers (including 877.778.2222 to report an outage or a downed wire to BGE) and keep a personal telephone book and one corded phone or a cell phone on hand.

• Build an emergency kit – Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care. Remember supplies for children, those with special needs and pets. Keep the following items readily available:
  • Flashlights – not candles
  • Fresh batteries
  • Battery-operated clock radio
  • Corded telephone
  • Fully charged cell phone
  • Non-perishable foods
  • Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
  • First aid kit
  • Local maps
  • Blankets 

Customers also should consider filling the fuel tanks of their vehicles in the event a power outage affects service to neighborhood gas stations. For customers who rely on well water, filling a bathtub with water in advance of severe weather is strongly encouraged.

In instances of heavy rain, BGE prepares for the potential of not only outages relating to overhead power lines, but also outages caused by flooding in cases where water enters gas and electric meters. Customers are urged to consider the following safety tips:

• Proceed with care if you have experienced flooding in your basement and or other areas of your home.
• Do not enter a room with standing water, particularly if the water covers electrical outlets or electrical cords that are plugged into outlets.
• Ensure the electrical system is shut off before entering a flooded room or basement.
• Do not attempt to shut off your electrical system if you have to stand in water or on a wet floor to do so.
• If you experienced flooding, do not turn on any lights or appliances without having a comprehensive inspection performed by a licensed electrician and also by a registered plumber with a gasfitter's license for gas appliances.

Customers may report power outages from mobile phones and devices through the company’s mobile website at bge.com or by calling 877.778.2222.  An enhanced power outage map  is also available through the mobile and full websites, and provides the general location and status of current electric power outages in BGE’s service area.