Washington, D.C. - Pepco crews are actively preparing in anticipation of a projected snow storm that could hit the region Friday afternoon. Predictions  of wet snow Friday joined by high blustery winds late Friday through Saturday evening with overnight low temperatures in the 20's could result in freezing temperatures that jeopardizes power lines.
     "Our crews are prepared for this weather event and will work safely and diligently if there are any interruptions in power because of this storm," said Donna Cooper, President of Pepco.
     Pepco is monitoring the weather forecasts and will have crews ready to restore potential outages. There are about 150 internal linemen, 250 contractors and more than 200 tree crews available to respond. Pepco is participating in mutual assistance calls with utilities in other states and is prepared to request additional crews as needed.
     In addition, Pepco Call Centers are staffed and prepared, and we are coordinating with emergency management agencies.
     Heavy wet snow and high winds can bring tree limbs into contact with power lines and topple trees causing power outages. Downed wires due to ice forming on power lines can also cause outages as well as drivers skidding into utility poles along slippery icy roads.
"Safety is our No. 1 priority," Cooper said. "We urge our customers to stay clear of working crews and any wires hanging loose from poles or lying on the ground." Customers should always assume that downed wires are energized and avoid them. Customers are asked to immediately report a downed wire by calling 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662).
     We also ask customers to let us know if they lose their power. They can report outages by calling 1-877-PEPCO62 (1-877-737-2662), visiting pepco.com or through our mobile app, available for download at pepco.com/mobileapp. 
     It is important that customers report their outages and request a call back to verify their power has been restored.
     Customers should also check their emergency supply kits and be prepared in case they do lose power. Emergency kits should include a battery-powered radio or television, flashlight, a first-aid kit, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, special needs items, an insulated cooler and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.
     Identify a safe alternate location in case of an extended outage. Tune to local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information. 
Customers can find additional tips on preparing for a storm on our website, pepco.com.