Met-Ed is preparing now for the possible impact of Hurricane Sandy and other severe weather predicted for early next week. Weather forecasters are predicting a very powerful, damaging, multi-day storm with high winds, heavy precipitation and flooding across a wide portion of the east coast. I will be sending you regular updates as Hurricane Sandy hits our region. Below is some information you may find useful to share with your residents and constituents.  Feel free to cut and paste this information and/or the links to more information on your own website.


Depending on the severity of Hurricane Sandy’s impact on the electrical system, Met-Ed customers are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of power outages lasting up to seven to 10 days by taking action before the storm occurs:
·        Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy. Use care when burning candles; open flames are a fire hazard.
·        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.
·        Keep a battery-powered radio with extra batteries on hand. Tune in to a local radio station for current storm information.
·        Have a hard-wired telephone or a charged cell phone handy in the event you need to report your electricity is out. Mobile phones can be charged in your vehicle using a car charger when power is out. If you have a smart phone, this will ensure you have access to online information sources.

As a result of the weather forecasts, FirstEnergy, Met-Ed’s parent company, is mobilizing internal crews and support personnel to assist in the restoration process if the storm causes large-scale power outages. In addition, the company is securing outside utility
crews, electrical contractors and tree contractors.

Met-Ed/FirstEnergy customer call centers will be fully staffed. Customers who are without power are encouraged to call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their outage. In the event of severe weather, customers should immediately report downed wires to their electric company or local police or fire department. Never go near a downed power line, even if you think it's no longer carrying electricity.

Emergency power generators offer an option for customers needing or wanting
uninterrupted service. However, to ensure the safety of the home’s occupants as well as that of utility company employees who may be working on power lines in the area, the proper generator should be selected and installed by a qualified electrician. When operating a generator, always disconnect the power coming into your home. Otherwise, power from your generator could be sent back onto the utility lines, creating a hazardous situation for utility workers.

For updated information on the Met-Ed’s storm preparation efforts, current outages,
FirstEnergy's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, visit the 24/7 Power Center at https://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/customer/help/outages.html

Met-Ed will also provide updates via Twitter: @Met_Ed

The American Red Cross also offers excellent guidance on preparing for severe weather events at:  http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/hurricane ----------------------------------------- The information contained in this message is intended only for the personal and confidential use of the recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this document in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately, and delete the original message.