Atlantic City Electric Begins Preparations, Offers Advice for Coming Storm

Atlantic City Electric is preparing for the possibility of power outages as the result of the coming storm.

A storm is expected to bring up to eight inches of snow and possible coastal flooding to the area beginning Thursday night. The electric company is warning snow, ice and wind gusts may cause trees to fall on power lines, causing outages and possible traffic accidents.

The electric company will have line and tree crews available, and the call center will be staffed overnight, if necessary, Atlantic City Electric announced on Thursday.

It is also partnering with overhead line contractors already working on the system.

Atlantic City Electric is asking residents to report power outages by calling 1-800-833-7476, following the prompts, and asking for a call back to confirm that power has been restored.

Outages also may be reported through atlanticcityelectric.com or through their mobile app.

Atlantic City Electric recommends assembling an emergency storm kit that includes the following:

·       Battery-powered radio or television;

·       Flashlight;

·       First-aid kit;

·       Battery-powered or windup clock;

·       Extra batteries;

·       Special needs items, such as an insulated cooler; and

·       List of important and emergency phone numbers.

Atlantic City Electric also offered the following advice for its customers:

·       Have a telephone with a cord or a cell phone to use as a backup. Cordless telephones require electricity to operate and won't work if there is an outage;

·       Protect electronic equipment. Unplug sensitive electronics or plug computers and other sensitive equipment into surge suppressors and consider an uninterruptible power supply for temporary battery backup power;

·       Turn off power to flood-prone basement appliances if it is safe to do so. However, if using an electrically operated sump pump, the customer should not turn off the power;

·       Have adequate prescription medicines or infant supplies on hand; and

·       Follow local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information.