AKRON, Ohio, March 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy
Corp. (NYSE: FE) personnel are prepared to respond when the heavy
snow and potentially high winds associated with a forecasted large
winter storm impact the eastern part of the country beginning
Monday evening through Wednesday.
Company meteorologists are tracking the storm system that could
affect areas served by all 10 FirstEnergy utilities, with a greater
impact anticipated in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New
Jersey, and West Virginia. Initial estimates show
there could be up to two feet of snow in some of the higher
elevations, along with winds gusting in the 40-55 mph range.
Rain could mix with snow in some areas, causing wet, heavy snow to
weigh down trees and power lines, which could result in service
interruptions.
FirstEnergy utilities include: Metropolitan Edison Company
(Met-Ed), Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), Pennsylvania
Power (Penn Power), and West Penn Power in Pennsylvania; Mon Power in West Virginia; Potomac Edison in Maryland and West
Virginia; Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) in
New Jersey; and Ohio Edison, The
Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison in Ohio.
The companies are reviewing storm response plans, which include
staffing additional dispatchers and analysts at regional dispatch
offices, and are making arrangements to bring in additional line,
substation and forestry personnel, as needed, based on the severity
of the weather. In addition, FirstEnergy has been in contact
with contractors and electric industry mutual assistance
organizations about the possibility of assisting with storm
restoration efforts.
As part of the storm preparation process, equipment and vehicles
are being checked to make sure they are ready to operate in heavy
snow conditions.
"A unique challenge with a winter storm is being able to gain
access to the outage locations, especially when large snow
accumulations hamper travel," said Mark
Julian, vice president, Utility Operations,
FirstEnergy. "As part of our assessment process, once we know
the extent of the storm damage, we can deploy additional crews and
resources from our less affected utilities to areas that were hit
the hardest."
During severe weather, customers who are without power are
encouraged to call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their
outage or click the "Report Outage" link on
www.firstenergycorp.com. Customers should immediately report
downed wires to their utility or their local police or fire
department. Customers should never go near a downed power
line, even if they think it is no longer carrying
electricity. Extra caution should be exercised in areas where
downed wires may be tangled in downed tree branches or other
debris.
For updated information on the company's current outages,
FirstEnergy's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe,
visit the 24/7 Power Center at
www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.
Customers are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of
outages caused by significant snowfall and high winds:
- Keep electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops and tablet
computers fully charged to be ready for any emergencies.
- Keep a flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries handy in
the event a power interruption occurs. Tune to a local
station for current storm information.
- Never use a portable generator inside the house or a closed
garage in the event of a power outage. Ensure the proper
generator is selected and installed by a qualified
electrician. When operating a generator, the power coming
into the home should always be disconnected. Otherwise, power
from the generator could be sent back onto the utility lines,
creating a hazardous situation for utility workers.
- Gather extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person.
Do not use gas stoves, kerosene heaters or other open-flame
heat sources to prevent deadly carbon monoxide gas from building up
in your home.
- If you have a water well and pump, keep an emergency supply of
bottled water and/or fill your bathtub with fresh water.
- Stock an emergency supply of convenience foods that do not
require cooking.
- Mobile phones can be charged in your vehicle using a car
charger when the power is out. If you have a smart phone,
this will ensure you have access to online information
sources.
FirstEnergy customers also can subscribe to email and text
message alert notifications to receive weather alerts in advance of
major storms, and updates on scheduled or extended power
outages. Customers can also use two-way text messaging to
report outages, request updates on restoration efforts, and make
other inquiries about their electric accounts. More
information about these communications tools is available online at
www.firstenergycorp.com/connect.
FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety,
reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric
distribution companies form one of the nation's largest
investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, West Virginia,
Maryland and New York.
Connect with the companies online at www.firstenergycorp.com, on
Twitter at @OhioEdison, @IlluminatingCo, @ToledoEdison,
@Met_Ed, @Penelec, @Penn_Power, @W_Penn_Power, @MonPowerWV,
or @PotomacEdison, or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/OhioEdison,
www.Facebook.com/ToledoEdison, www.Facebook.com/IlluminatingCo,
www.Facebook.com/MetEdElectric, www.Facebook.com/PenelecElectric,
www.Facebook.com/PennPower, www.Facebook.com/WestPennPower,
www.facebook.com/MonPowerWV, www.facebook.com/PotomacEdison.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.