Pepco is preparing for the possibility of a significant ice storm Friday that could result in power outages in the Washington metropolitan area. The company is monitoring weather forecasts and has implemented staffing plans to ensure a speedy response if outages occur.

"We are going through our checklists, preparing crews, vehicles and supplies for what could be a serious storm, and we urge our customers to make their emergency preparations," said Pepco Region President Thomas Graham. "Our crews are scheduled and are prepared to begin restoring service as quickly and safely as possible."

Pepco employees have been alerted to the possibility of 24-hour staffing and the need to work through the weekend. Line repair crews and contract crews that normally work on the Pepco system will stage at the company's three service centers in the District of Columbia, Montgomery and Prince George's counties. Additional contractors will be added, and if needed, crews can be brought in from Pepco's sister companies, Delmarva Power and Atlantic City Electric.

Pepco also can contact other utilities to assess the availability of mutual-aid crews to assist with potential restoration work.

Ice storms can be among the most destructive events affecting a utility's electrical distribution system. The weight of ice on trees and utility equipment can bring down power lines and poles.

If Power Goes Out

Customers are asked to call Pepco at 1-877-Pepco-62 to report outages-even if their neighbor may have already called. Pepco's automated outage reporting system is the most effective way to report an outage because it immediately feeds information into computers that more rapidly identify problem areas and dispatch repair crews, so that power can be restored more quickly.

In the first 48 hours after a severe storm, restoration times are difficult to predict. If customers are without power or heat, they may want to consider moving themselves and their families-especially those with special needs-to an alternate location during an extended outage.

Customers can prepare ahead for the possibility of power outages associated with an ice storm by assembling an Emergency Storm Kit including:

• Flashlights and fresh batteries
• Battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries
• Land line phone with cord (Cordless phones require electricity to operate)
• Battery-powered or windup alarm clock
• A supply of bottled water (one gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable foods that require no heating
• Blankets, bedding, or sleeping bags and a change of clothes
• First Aid Kit and prescription medications
• Hand-operated can opener
• Special items for infants, the elderly or family members with special needs
• Hand tools such as a hammer, screwdriver; scissors; duct tape; plastic garbage bags; paper and pencil; waterproof matches; household bleach
• Identification and copies of important family documents in a waterproof container
• Emergency Services and Pepco telephone numbers

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Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 750,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.