Winter Storm Tips
- Create an emergency kit with a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, blankets, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled water and non- perishable food (be careful with matches and candles).
- Keep gas meter and appliance vents clear of snow and ice. If your meter or regulator - a small, circular device with a vent - freezes or is covered with snow or ice, the equipment may not operate properly.This could present a condition that temporarily stops the flow of natural gas or creates a potential safety hazard. Use yourhands, a brush or broom to clear the snow. Do not use a shovel or other hard object.
- Avoid downed power lines. A downed electrical wire is dangerous - stay away, warn others and call 911 or (410) 822-6110 immediately. Always assume a downed wire is carrying electricity, which can severely injure or kill you.
- Report outages immediately by calling (410) 822-6110.
- Stay in your vehicle if power lines fall on it, call 911 or (410) 822-6110 and wait for help. When you are in the car you are not a part of electricity's path to the ground. Wait in the car until qualified electrical workers turn the power off and tell you it is safe to leave the vehicle.
- Seal openings around and under doors and windows.
- Lower thermostat settings serving unused rooms.
- To keep pipes from freezing in a cold house, open all the faucets slightly to keep them dripping.
- Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.
- If you have a shut-off valve for outside faucets, turn it off and drain it for the winter.
- Wrap outside faucets with insulation if they aren't drained.
- Disconnect garden hoses and drain in-ground irrigation systems according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Unplug appliances with solid-state electronics, so they aren't damaged by a potential surge when the power comes back on. The greater the connected load, the greater the surge when power is restored.
- Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.