“Pepco is Prepared for Extended Heat Wave”

From Alert DC:

“The National Weather Service reports the temperature is 91 degrees with a heat index of 96 degrees. The Heat Emergency Plan has been activated. MPD, FEMS, and the Ward Outreach have been notified.

As temperatures rise, the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and DC Water urge those in the District to beat the heat without tampering with fire hydrants. Unauthorized hydrant use can hamper firefighting, damage the water system and cause injury. It can also flood streets, creating traffic dangers and it can lower the water pressure for everyone on the block.

Residents and visitors in the District can keep cool by staying in shade or air conditioning and drinking plenty of water. When the temperature or heat index reaches 95, residents are encouraged to take extra precautions against the heat. If they do not live in an air-conditioned building, they may take refuge at a District swimming pool, cooling center, recreation facility, senior center or other air-conditioned building. More information, and locations, can be found at dc.gov or by calling 311.”

From a press release:

“Due to high temperatures forecasted through early next week, Pepco is sharing with its customers tips on keeping cool and ways to decrease energy usage.

In addition, Pepco has all of its resources available to respond in coordination with emergency management partners if any outages occur during this heat wave. One hundred fifty Pepco linemen, more than 250 contractors and 180 tree trimming personnel are assigned to the system and ready to respond, if needed. In preparation, crews have confirmed that additional poles, transformers, and cable are fully stocked and ready to deploy.

Here are a few ways in which all customers can make a difference and save energy:

• Turn off or unplug all unnecessary lighting, devices and appliances.

• When the AC is on, keep all outside doors and windows closed. Closing shades, blinds and curtains can also help keep unwanted heat from entering your home.

• Turn on ceiling fans to evenly distribute cool air throughout your home.

• It is important not to have lamps, televisions or other heat sources close to the air conditioner thermostat – heat from these sources may cause the air conditioner unit to run longer than it should.

• Ensure that ducts and fans are not blocked by furniture. This will enable cool air to circulate freely, making your home more comfortable.

Pepco customers can find home energy saving tips and information on reducing their bills at www.pepco.com/energytips.

Customers are asked to please report any outages and to stay away from any downed wires. To report outages and/or downed wires, please call 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662), follow the prompts, and please ask for a call back to confirm that power has been restored. Outages also may be reported through pepco.com or through the company’s mobile app. Customers can find tips on preparing for a storm and learn how to receive outage alerts on our website, pepco.com/storm.”