GREENSBURG, Pa. – Local electric companies are monitoring the weather as severe storm warnings affect areas across Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
The companies, under FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), are known locally as Penn Power, Penelec, Met-Ed, and West Penn Power.<\/p>\n
FE PA shared affected areas could see multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms, including damaging wind gusts, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and localized flash flooding.<\/p>\n
These storms may hit customers living in the company\u2019s service territories.<\/p>\n
In advance of the expected weather, FE PA said its companies have staged crews throughout their service areas and have additional personnel and support resources on standby to assist if needed.<\/p>\n
According to FirstEnergy, forestry personnel, damage assessment teams, and hazard response crews are also positioned and ready to respond.<\/p>\n
The companies shared that they have mobilized all available resources to help restore service as safely and quickly as possible should outages occur.<\/p>\n
While these preparations allow crews to respond quickly, severe thunderstorms, high winds, and tornadoes can cause significant damage to poles, wires, trees, and other electric equipment, resulting in power outages.<\/p>\n
The extent of any outages and restoration times will depend on the severity of the weather and the amount of damage sustained to the electric system, shared FE PA.<\/p>\n
The company encourages customers to stay weather-aware, have a plan in place, and put safety first as storms move through the area.<\/p>\n
FE PA shared tips on how to stay prepared during severe weather:<\/p>\n
Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines; call 911 immediately.<\/p>\n
Secure loose outdoor items, including garbage cans, furniture, and trampolines.<\/p>\n
Charge phones and essential devices.<\/p>\n
Keep flashlights, batteries, and a radio ready.<\/p>\n
Store water if you rely on a well pump.<\/p>\n
Have no-cook foods on hand.<\/p>\n
Steer clear of trees and utility poles during high winds.<\/p>\n
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How to report an outage:<\/p>\n
If you lose power during the upcoming storm, report your outage:<\/p>\n
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Get outage updates<\/p>\n
Text REG to 544487 to sign up for outage alerts. Once enrolled, text STAT to 544487 for updates.<\/p>\n
Log into your online account.<\/p>\n