For Immediate Release
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Severe thunderstorm knocks out power to more than 65,000 customers
MAYS LANDING, N.J . -. Atlantic City Electric crews are assessing damage and will work to restore service as safely and quickly as possible to more than 65,000 customers impacted by a severe thunder and lightning storm which swept through the region late Thursday afternoon.
Atlantic City Electric expects to make significant progress restoring service Friday, and additional crews are being called in from other areas to assist in the restoration. Because of the extent of the storm-related damage, however, it is possible the restoration efforts will last through the weekend.
The areas hit the hardest by this storm were Camden and Gloucester counties. Outages were largely caused by lightning strikes, downed trees, limbs and wires.
To report power outages or other emergencies, such as a downed wire, pole accident, or tree limb on a wire, call 1-800-8 33-7476. Customers should not depend on neighbors to report their outage.
Atlantic City Electric also reminds customers to follow these important safety tips:
· Never attempt to remove trees or limbs from any utility line. Treat all fallen wires as if they are energized. · If using a portable generator during a power outage, always operate it outside, away from doors and windows to prevent deadly carbon monoxide fumes from entering the home. · Do not connect your generator directly into your home's main fuse box or circuit panel. · Due to the extreme heat, it is recommended that people seek shelter in public places with working air conditioning, such as libraries, shopping malls, etc. · It is important that customers with special needs or their caregivers take responsibility to make arrangements ahead of time to prepare for potentially long-lasting interruptions in service.
· Never attempt to remove trees or limbs from any utility line. Treat all fallen wires as if they are energized.
· If using a portable generator during a power outage, always operate it outside, away from doors and windows to prevent deadly carbon monoxide fumes from entering the home.
· Do not connect your generator directly into your home's main fuse box or circuit panel.
· Due to the extreme heat, it is recommended that people seek shelter in public places with working air conditioning, such as libraries, shopping malls, etc.
· It is important that customers with special needs or their caregivers take responsibility to make arrangements ahead of time to prepare for potentially long-lasting interruptions in service.
Additional weather, outage and safety information may be found at www.atlanticcityelectric.com.
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Atlantic City Electric, a public utility owned by Atlantic City Electric Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), provides safe, reliable and affordable regulated electric delivery services to more than 547,000 customers in southern New Jersey.
