Before a Utility Interruption

• Keep a flashlight with extra batteries on each floor of your home.
• Have a battery-operated clock and radio with extra batteries.
• Store a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods in your Shelter-in-Place Kit.
• Protect sensitive electronic appliances like microwaves, televisions and computers, with surge protectors.
• If someone has a medical condition, plan for alternate sources of power or alternate accommodations in the event of an extended power outage.

• Dry ice, available at some retail stores, presents safety concerns. But, it can be used to preserve frozen foods for longer than 24 hours.
• Dry ice is a hazardous material and must be handled with care. It can cause severe burns.
• Food that touches dry ice can get freezer burns.
• Dry ice should not be used in a small cooler with food or medicines that are needed and could become frozen.
• PECO cannot supply dry ice during weather-related events.

• Use it safely and responsibly.
• Use the manufacturer's power cords.
• Do not connect a generator to your home's wiring.
• Do not overload a generator.
• Never operate a generator in an enclosed space.
• Turn off all connected equipment before shutting down a generator.

During a Utility Interruption

• Avoid using candles. If you do use candles, never leave them unattended.
• Take cover, if necessary.
• If outside, be aware of trees and downed wires.
• Do not touch, go near, or try to move downed wires.
• Consider all downed lines as energized and extremely dangerous.
• Report any downed lines to PECO immediately at 1-800-841-4141.
• If you are in a vehicle and power lines fall on it, stay inside the car until emergency personnel can assist you.

• Use your cell phone, or borrow one from a friend or neighbor, and call your service provider to report the outage.
• You could lose phone service during a power outage if your phone requires an electrical outlet to work. It is a good idea to have a phone that does not rely on electricity, and simply plugs into a phone jack.

• Do Not smoke or light lighters or matches. If the odor is very strong, do not use your phone or operate any light switches or electrical devices - any spark could cause a fire.
• Open windows.
• Evacuate immediately, then call 9-1-1.

• Call your service provide immediately to report the outage.
  • PECO Energy Customer Service: 1-800-494-4000.
  • PECO Energy Emergency Hotline: 1-800-841-4141.
• Disconnect or turn off all appliances that would otherwise go on automatically when the power comes back on. (If several appliances start up at once, they could overload the circuits.)
• To prevent food spoilage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Each time the door is opened, heat enters and speeds up the thawing process.
• Stay indoors, if possible.
• Do Not burn charcoal indoors, and do not use your kitchen gas range, stove or oven to heat rooms. These might cause a fire or a hazardous smoke condition.
• Keep a battery-operated radio tuned to news radio for updates.

• Always have a supply of bottled water in the house and in your Shelter-in-Place Kit.
• If you see water coming up from the ground or road, or suspect a water main break, call the Philadelphia Water Department at 215-685-6300. Be ready to provide the following information on the phone:
  • A description of the condition
  • What is being affected (street, basement, subway)
  • The exact location of the problem
  • You name, address and phone number.
• If you have no water or very low water pressure, call the Philadelphia Water Department at 215-685-6300.
• If there is a concern about drinking water quality, officials will tell you what actions to take.