PPL Electric Utilities is preparing for the first big winter storm of the season, readying crews, contractors, vehicles and equipment to respond to power outages that may result from the snow, sleet and ice expected across eastern and central Pennsylvania on Tuesday (2/13) into Wednesday.
“We’ve been monitoring the storm closely and will have employees working around the clock, as needed, to assess damage, respond to power outages and provide crews with the material and support they need,” said Dave DeCampli, senior vice president of Operations for PPL Electric Utilities.
DeCampli said the company is ensuring that vehicles are properly equipped with chains on their tires and emergency supplies, and that all of the resources needed to manage the storm’s effects are on standby.
In addition, he said, the company plans to have its storm emergency center staffed throughout the night to coordinate the company’s response in each of its regional offices and with other neighboring utilities.
PPL Electric Utilities will have additional staff on duty Tuesday night to answer customer calls, will increase the number of linemen on duty overnight, and will bring crews and contractors in before dawn Wednesday. Crews and contractors are prepared to work extended shifts for as long as necessary to respond to power outages.
DeCampli said the anticipated wet snow and thick ice, combined with high winds, have the potential to bring down trees and power lines. Thick ice, which is possible in the Lancaster and Lehigh Valley regions of the company’s service territory, can cause extensive damage and extended outages.
“Ice places an enormous amount of weight on equipment, power lines, trees and limbs,” DeCampli said. “It presents the biggest challenges, not only in terms of damage, but also in our ability to respond and move trucks and crews safely and effectively.”
He said customers who lose power should report outages by calling PPL Electric Utilities toll-free at 1-800-342-5775.
He added that customers should avoid downed power lines and always assume they are energized. Touching a person, vehicle or tree limb that is in contact with or near a power line can result in serious or fatal injuries. Customers who observe a downed line should call PPL Electric Utilities toll-free at 1-800-342-5775.
Customers without power for an extended time can take a number of steps to keep warm. These include closing doors to unused rooms, keeping garage doors closed, sealing drafts from doors and windows, dressing in layers and wearing a hat. Customers who are using a fireplace for heat should ensure that the flue is open. Customers who are not using their fireplace should close the flue tightly.
Customers can keep food cold longer by leaving the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to trap cold air inside. Frozen foods can remain frozen for 48 hours, as long as the door remains shut.
To stay safe, DeCampli said, customers should not use a gas stove to heat their home. In addition, they should not run a generator in their home or basement or near their home’s air intake because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation that provides electricity delivery services to about 1.4 million customers in Pennsylvania, has consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) controls more than 11,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States, sells energy in key U.S. markets and delivers electricity to more than 5 million customers in Pennsylvania, the United Kingdom and Latin America.
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