165 Brick Store Landing Road

Smyrna, DE 19977

302-659-3362 or 1-877-SAY DEMA

FAX 302-659-6855

NEWS

MEDIA ALERT

            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
            Tuesday, February 13, 2007                                         CONTACT:    Rosanne Pack
            6:30 p.m.                                                                                              (302) 222-6573
                                                                                                                                                           
SAFETY TIPS IN CASE
OF POWER OUTAGE

Media outlets are asked to remind listeners, viewers and readers to practice safety if winter storms lead to power outages. With the potential for icing on roads, trees and utility lines in some parts of Delaware, residents and businesses need to be prepared for survival without electricity for a few hours to a few days.
The current weather system moving up the state is expected to carry more sleet and freezing rain into northern New Castle County, but freezing rain is also falling in some parts of Sussex and Kent counties. Weather and road conditions should be carefully monitored before traveling.
In case of power outages, customers can contact their utility for information on cause and expected length of outage. The public should never try to move downed power lines or to move limbs or other debris that may be across downed power lines.

Delaware Electric Cooperative numbers are as follows: Sussex County, 349-9009; Kent County, 398-9009; New Castle County, 800-282-8595.
Delmarva Power numbers are as follows: New Castle County, 800-898-8042; Kent and Sussex counties, 800-898-8045.
Those who experience a power outage are advised to turn off all major appliances, leaving on one lamp that will show when power returns. This will help avoid an overload when power is restored.

Flashlights and battery operated lamps are recommended as a light source. Open flame lights such as candles can lead to fire.
Portable heaters should be used with extreme caution and never left unattended where children or pets are present. Fuel burning heaters must be properly ventilated.
If a gas generator is used as a power source, users must follow manufacturer’s instructions, it must be properly ventilated and not used in an enclosed space.
Refrigerators and freezers will keep food cold and safe for several hours if they are not opened frequently. A full freezer will keep food frozen for more than 36 hours if kept closed. A partially full freezer can be filled with plastic containers filled with water before a storm. The frozen water will help keep food frozen and provide emergency water.   

--- END ---