Crime & Safety

PECO: Storm Could Knock Power Out For Days

PECO has backup personnel ready to address outages caused by Hurricane Sandy, but it could take several days to get all the power back on.

Hundreds of PECO staff are ready for Hurricane Sandy to pummel the region, causing what is expected to be widespread power outages.

But the utilty is warning customers that power restorations stemming from a "direct hit," could warrant a "multi-day restoration."

The company said it is prepared to bring in additional crews from its sister utility, ComEd, in Chicago and from as far away as Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi to support storm restoration efforts.

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Customers also should prepare for possible storm damage: 

  • Keep PECO's emergency telephone number (1-800-841-4141) handy. Program it into your smartphone, if possible.
  • Sign up for an online account with PECO and access www.peco.com from your mobile device to report outages and check system status.
  • Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
  • Have a battery powered clock and radio available.

If an outage occurs:

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  • 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. The company's automated telephone system can quickly record your outage, allowing customer care representatives to remain available to handle reports of dangerous situations.
  • Turn off and unplug appliances and other devices to prevent possible damage. Remember to keep one light on so you know when service has been restored.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Move meats, cheese, milk, etc. into the freezer to stay colder longer. A partially full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 24 hours, and up to 48 hours when full.

Take safety seriously

  • Stay away from downed wires, damaged electric equipment, and tree limbs and 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.
  • Customers with generators should never connect them directly to home wiring or plug them into household outlets. Generators connected to home wiring can 'back feed' 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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