A PHI Company

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Preparing for Severe Weather

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes normally strike during the summer and fall, particularly along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states. These massive storms can bring torrential rains, flooding and destructive winds with speeds of up to 190 miles per hour.

If a hurricane is forecast for our area, be prepared by following these procedures:

  • Tape or board up windows or install storm shutters.
  • Move patio furniture and trash cans inside.
  • Stock up on drinking water, fresh batteries, canned and other non-perishable foods, and be sure to have a non-electric can opener available. Keep a battery-powered radio or television and flashlights handy. Candles and matches, while not recommended, must be used with extreme care and should never be left unattended.
  • Have at least a half tank of gas in your car, and also stock the car with essential items in case you have to evacuate.

Immediately before and/or during a hurricane:

  • If you have natural gas service and a hurricane is expected to strike, shut off the main gas valve and the main power switch.
  • If public safety personnel advise you to leave, or if you live in a mobile home, on a boat or in an area likely to flood, evacuate as soon as possible. Try to travel outside the hurricane's predicted path - head inland or to higher ground.
  • If you stay at home, remain indoors and monitor the radio or television. During the storm, keep to the side of the house that is away from the wind. Keep away from windows, even secured ones. Don't use your telephone or car except in an emergency.
  • Don't go outside until the hurricane has completely passed. The calmer "eye" of the storm may fool you into thinking it's finished, but the storm may return in less than an hour, with winds blowing from the opposite direction.

Where To Call

If you experience an outage or see downed or damaged power lines, call Pepco at the numbers listed below:

To Report Power Outages (24-Hour Line)
1-877-PEPCO-62
(1-877-737-2662)
We regret that we cannot respond to e-mail outage reports.

Life=Threatening Emergencies such as downed power lines or struck pole:
202-872-3432 Anytime

Customer Service
202-833-7500, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
1-800-424-8028

Servicio en Español
202-872-4641,  7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

TTY
202-872-2369

If necessary, call 911 to alert emergency services personnel of possible injuries related to the situation.

Be sure to read our monthly customer newsletter, "Lines," for additional information during the hurricane season.