Pepco Encourages Customers to Review Plans, Check Supplies

WASHINGTON - This week marks the start of the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season and Pepco reminds customers that it's time to prepare for the possibility that destructive tropical weather could hit the region any time between now and November 30. This year, the National Weather Service predicts a near normal period with nine to 14 named storms, four to seven of them becoming hurricanes, and one to three will be major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.

"The damage created by the storms that hit the U.S. mainland last year showed their destructive force and impact. This upcoming year may not be any different," said Hallie M. Reese, Vice President, Safety and Strategic Services. "We strongly encourage customers to take steps and prepare for any emergency." She said that a few basic steps taken now will pay off when bad weather hits, not only during hurricanes but during severe summer thunderstorms.

Here are a few important steps:

1. Keep Pepco emergency numbers accessible to report outages or wires down. For outages, call 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662).

2. Make sure Pepco has the latest phone number registered in our automated Outage Management System, to identify your location and quickly locate the source of trouble. Customers can update numbers online at www.pepco.com or call Customer Care at 202-833-7500.

3. Prepare an emergency survival kit. This would include a flashlight, battery-powered radio, fresh batteries, essential medication, nonperishable food, and enough fresh water to last several days.

4. Develop a contingency plan. Decide what to do in the event of a lengthy power outage such as seeking temporary shelter with family or friends?

Pepco employees regularly prepare for the possibility of power outages and frequently participate in emergency drills. The company maintains supplies of essential equipment, such as poles, wires and transformers, and stays in contact with utilities throughout the region to quickly arrange mutual assistance in case of a natural disaster.

Pepco has upgraded its Web site to enable customers to view outage information across the company's service territory. To see the outage maps, or for more information on preparing for power outages, go to www.pepco.com and click on Outages and Emergencies.

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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.