Preparing for Severe Weather
Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricanes normally strike during the summer and fall, particularly along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states. These massive storms can bring torrential rains, flooding and destructive winds with speeds of up to 190 miles per hour.
If a hurricane is forecast for our area, be prepared by following these procedures:
- Board up windows or install storm shutters.
- Move outdoor furniture and trash cans inside.
- Check your emergency storm kit supplies. Keep a battery-powered radio and flashlights handy.
- Have your vehicles fueled and stocked with essential items in case you have to evacuate.
Immediately before and/or during a hurricane:
- If you have natural gas service and a hurricane is expected to strike, shut off the main gas valve and the main power switch. After the storm, wait for the gas company to restart service.
- If public safety personnel advise you to leave, or if you work out of a mobile home, on a boat or in an area likely to flood, evacuate as soon as possible. Try to travel outside the hurricane's predicted path - head inland or to higher ground.
- If you stay at your place of business, remain indoors and monitor the radio. During the storm, keep to the side of the building that is away from the wind. Keep away from windows, even secured ones. Don't use your telephone or car except in an emergency.
- Don't go outside until the hurricane has completely passed. The calmer "eye" of the storm may fool you into thinking it's finished, but the storm may return in less than an hour, with winds blowing from the opposite direction.
Where To Call
If you experience an outage or see downed or damaged power lines, call Pepco's 24-hour emergency numbers:
Pepco
Power Outages (24-Hour Line)
1-877-PEPCO-62
(1-877-737-2662)
We regret that we cannot respond to email outage reports.
Life-Threatening Emergencies
202-872-3432 Anytime
Customer Service
202-833-7500, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
1-800-424-8028
Servicio en Español
202-872-4641, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
TTY
202-872-2369
If necessary, call 911 to alert emergency services personnel of possible injuries related to the situation.


