JCP&L INFORMATION FOR HURRICANE IRENE

Reporting an Outage

•If your lights go out, contact your local electric utility to report an outage. The best way to do this for JCP&L and Met-Ed customers is to call the automated reporting line at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877). Customers also may call 1-800-545-7738 to report an outage. Potomac Edison customers should call 1-800-255-3443.
•Report downed wires immediately to your electric company or local police or fire department. Never go near a downed power line, even if you think it's no longer carrying electricity.
•Don't try to remove trees or tree limbs from power lines. Wait for utility crews to arrive.

Safety Tips During Outages

• Keep flashlights with fresh batteries in your home. Avoid using candles to light your home, especially around children and pets.
• Never use a gas stove or lantern that is intended for outdoor use inside your home.
• Make sure you have fresh batteries in a portable radio so you can stay tuned to your local radio station for updates on our progress to restore power.

Other Tips During Outages

• Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer. A full freezer can keep food frozen for up to three days if it's kept closed.
• Disconnect major appliances until after the power has been restored. This includes appliances that run automatically, such as heating systems and water heaters, and those that may have been running when the power went off, such as ovens, ranges and clothes dryers. By disconnecting these appliances, you avoid damage that could occur during efforts to restore service. Keep one light turned on so you will know when the power is back on.

Customer Generators

• Emergency power generators offer an option for customers needing or wanting uninterrupted service. However, to ensure the safety of the home's occupants as well as that of utility company employees who may be working on power lines in the area, the proper generator should be selected and installed by a qualified electrician. When operating a generator, always disconnect the power coming into your home. Otherwise, power from your generator could be sent back onto the utility company lines, creating a hazardous situation for utility workers.