Customers Asked to Prepare for Possible Power Outages

Pepco is monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Hanna, preparing for the likelihood the storm will affect the Washington, D.C., region on Saturday. This storm is forecast to carry high winds and heavy rain and could cause power outages. Such outages can be caused from a variety of factors including downed trees and limbs or other debris blown onto power lines. Safety and preparedness are critical not just for this storm but for other tropical systems that Pepco is closely watching in the Atlantic Ocean, which could ultimately make landfall on the east coast of the United States.

PREPARATION

Customers should have an emergency preparedness kit, including flashlights, a battery-powered radio with fresh batteries, spare batteries, non-perishable food and a can opener, a supply of fresh water for at least three days, a first-aid kit, essential medications for those who use prescriptions, diapers and wipes if necessary, pillows and blankets or sleeping bags. Customers with special medical needs should evaluate their situations, review their plans and, if necessary, make arrangements for assistance if they are unable to be without power for more than a few hours.

SAFETY

If you see a downed power line, stay away from it. Assume that all downed power lines are live and extremely dangerous. Don't touch any person or object that is in contact with a power line; the current could flow through you. Immediately call the emergency service number at 202-872-3432 to report downed wires. Call 911 only if there is an associated emergency such as a fire, automobile accident or, if medical assistance is required. Also:

• Never attempt to remove trees or limbs from any utility line. Assume all objects touching a power line are energized.
• If you use a portable generator during a power outage, always operate it outside, away from doors and windows to avoid deadly carbon monoxide.

• If you have a flooded basement in your home, never attempt to turn off power or operate circuit breakers while standing in water. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination. Even wading in a shallow puddle or flooded basement that is exposed to an energized line could cause a harmful or potentially fatal electrical contact.

APPLIANCES

Pepco asks that if service has been interrupted, please turn off major appliances, such as electric water heaters and air conditioners and to leave one light switch in the "on" position. This will help prevent an overload when power is restored.

PRIORITIES

While Pepco tries to minimize inconvenience to individual customers, its first priority in restoring power is to eliminate any life-threatening conditions such as downed wires and to restore service to critical public services, such as hospitals, police, fire, communications, water and sewer and transportation services. The next priority is to make repairs that can restore service to the largest groups of customers at one time. Crews then focus on repairs that affect individual homes and businesses.

For more information go to www.pepco.com.

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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.