MAYS LANDING, N.J. - Atlantic City Electric crews are out assessing damage and making repairs after severe storms moved through the region and left more than 250,000 customers without power Tuesday evening. Crews will work through the night as they begin restoring service to customers who lost power as severe thunderstorms brought high winds, lightning and intense rain.

Damage is still being assessed, but several high-voltage transmission lines were affected. In addition to internal crews, Atlantic City Electric has contractors available. The company has also requested mutual assistance crews to assist in the restoration effort.

Safety is our No. 1 priority. We urge our customers to stay clear of working crews and

any wires hanging loose from poles or lying on the ground. Customers should always assume that downed wires are energized and avoid them.

Customers can report outages by calling 1-800-833-7476, visiting atlanticcityelectric.com or through our mobile app, available for download at atlanticcityelectric.com/mobile app. It is important that customers report their outages and request a call back to verify their power has been restored.

Customers need to be prepared for the possibility of service interruptions and should check their emergency supply kits. Tips on preparing for a storm can be found on our website, atlanticcityelectric.com. The storm center at atlanticcityelectric.com highlights important information for customers through all stages of the restoration effort and allows them to easily report and track outages.

Planning Ahead for Customers

• Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include a battery-powered radio or television, flashlight, a first-aid kit, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, special needs items, an insulated cooler and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of nonperishable foods and bottled water and have a hand-operated can opener available. Customers are responsible for customer equipment.
• Make sure you have a telephone with a cord or cell phone to use as a backup. Cordless telephones require electricity to operate, and won't work if there is an outage.
• Protect your electronic equipment. Plug computers and other sensitive equipment into surge suppressors, and consider a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for temporary battery backup power.
• Identify a safe alternate location in case of an extended outage.
• Tune to local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information.
• Follow the advice of local emergency management officials.
• If candles and heaters are used, never leave them unattended and watch children and pets that could knock them over.

For more information about Atlantic City Electric, visit www.atlanticcityelectric.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlanticcityelectric and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/acelecconnect. Our mobile app is available at www.atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp.