Atlantic City Electric is prepared for possible power outages that may be caused by heavy rain, gusty winds and localized flooding forecasted for today and continuing through the weekend. We are actively responding to scattered outages along the barrier islands. Crews will continue to safely restore service to customers as quickly as possible in these coastal communities that are being impacted by strong winds and flooding.  

The company is also continuing to monitor the track of Hurricane Joaquin. Although the hurricane is not expected to directly impact our region, the storm may produce some rain and gusty winds throughout portions of Atlantic City Electric's service territory into early next week.

Atlantic City Electric has crews available 24 hours a day throughout the weekend to restore any potential outages, but customers should be prepared for the possibility of power outages. In addition to internal linemen, Atlantic City Electric has overhead line contractors and tree crews available to assist in any restoration effort.

High winds can bring tree limbs into contact with power lines causing interruptions. Heavy rain can saturate soil and weaken tree root systems. Particularly with full foliage, trees then are more vulnerable in high winds and can be uprooted and fall onto power lines and equipment, causing power outages. Outages can also occur due to drivers skidding into utility poles along wet, slippery roads.

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 are asked to immediately report a downed wire by calling 1-800-833-7476.

We also ask customers to let us know if they lose their power. They can report outages by calling 1-800-833-7476, visiting www.atlanticcityelectric.com or through our mobile app, available for download at www.atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp. It's important that customers report their outages and request a call back to verify their power has been restored. 

Customers should check their emergency supply kits and be prepared in case they do lose power. Emergency kits should include a battery-powered radio or television, flashlight, a first-aid kit, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, special needs items and medications, cash, an insulated cooler and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.

If using a personal generator, never run it indoors or in an attached garage. Be sure to place the generator outside where deadly exhaust fumes will not enter into the home. Do not connect a generator directly to the home's wiring. If a generator is plugged into the electrical circuits of a home, power can back-feed into Atlantic City Electric's lines, which can injure or kill utility workers fixing downed power lines. It also can cause downed lines to re-energize. 

Find additional information and updates by visiting www.atlanticcityelectric.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlanticcityelectric, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/acelecconnect.