Stay Safe During a Utility Interruption

Disruptions in utility services can happen for various reasons, such as emergencies, severe weather, downed trees or power lines. They can impact any community, so it's important to know what to do in the event of a utility interruption.

 Stay Safe: 

• Avoid using candles. If you do use candles, never leave them unattended.
• Take cover, if necessary.
• If outside, be aware of trees and downed wires.
• Do not touch, go near, or try to move downed wires.
• Consider all downed lines as energized and extremely dangerous.
• Report any downed lines to PECO immediately at 1-800-841-4141.
• If you are in a vehicle and power lines fall on it, stay inside the car until emergency personnel can assist you.

 If You Lose Phone Service: 

• Use your cell phone, or borrow one from a friend or neighbor, and call your service provider to report the outage.
• You could lose phone service during a power outage if your phone requires an electrical outlet to work. It is a good idea to have a phone that does not rely on electricity, and simply plugs into a phone jack.

 If You Smell Gas: 

• Do Not smoke or light lighters or matches. If the odor is very strong, do not use your phone or operate any light switches or electrical devices - any spark could cause a fire.
• Open windows.
• Evacuate immediately, then call 9-1-1.

 If There is a Power Outage: 

• Call your service provide immediately to report the outage.
• PECO Energy Customer Service: 1-800-494-4000.
• PECO Energy Emergency Hotline: 1-800-841-4141.
• Disconnect or turn off all appliances that would otherwise go on automatically when the power comes back on. (If several appliances start up at once, they could overload the circuits.)
• To prevent food spoilage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Each time the door is opened, heat enters and speeds up the thawing process.
• Stay indoors, if possible.
• Do Not burn charcoal indoors, and do not use your kitchen gas range, stove or oven to heat rooms. These might cause a fire or a hazardous smoke condition.
• Keep a battery-operated radio tuned to news radio for updates.

 Water and Sewer-Related Problems: 

• Always have a supply of bottled water in the house and in your Shelter-in-Place Kit.
• If you see water coming up from the ground or road, or suspect a water main break, call the Philadelphia Water Department at 215-685-6300. Be ready to provide the following information on the phone:
• A description of the condition
• What is being affected (street, basement, subway)
• The exact location of the problem
• You name, address and phone number.
• If you have no water or very low water pressure, call the Philadelphia Water Department at 215-685-6300.
• If there is a concern about drinking water quality, officials will tell you what actions to take.

For more information, visit our Utility Interruption page where you can download our Disruption in Utility Service flyer or our What to Do When the Lights Go Out flyer.

Warning Signs of Heat Stroke

When the temperatures start rising in Philadelphia, it's important to be aware of heat-related illnesses. Heat Stoke occurs when the body is not able to cool down. It is extremely serious and can result in death or long term disability. It causes:

• Very high body temperature (above 103F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin with no sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Be a Buddy
Check on elderly friends and neighbors, as well as those with medical conditions. Also, make sure your pets stay cool.

When the Philadelphia Health Commissioner issues an Excessive Heat Warning, the City’s Cooling Centers open and the Heatline is activated to provide heat-related information and assistance. The Heatline can be reach at 215-765-9040.

For more information on staying safe this summer, download our Stay Cool Guide or visit our Excessive Heat page and check out the Stay Cool Interactive Map to find public pools, spray grounds and cooling centers near you.

Conserve Water in the Summer

It is important to conserve water during the summer months because there is a greater demand. Follow these easy steps to reduce your use:

• Repair leaky toilets and faucets. Close your taps tightly.
• Install low-flow shower heads. They save thousands of gallons of water every year.
• Save two to four gallons of water by shutting off the faucet while shaving. Save one to two gallons by shutting off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
• Take short showers – a bath uses more water. If you must take baths, fill the tub only half way.
• Make sure your washing machines and dishwashers are full before you run them.

Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely

Many Fourth of July celebrations include a tasty barbecue and an exciting fireworks display. While these events are great fun, it's important to practice safety around the grill and around fireworks. The following are safety tips from the Philadelphia Fire Department and the U.S. Fire Administration.

BBQ Grill Safety Tips:

• Propane and charcoal grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide. 
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Grills should be at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. 
• BBQ grills are not allowed on apartment building balconies or decks. 
• BBQ grills are allowed on porches and decks of one and two family houses. 
• Never store spare propane cylinders under or near a grill or inside the home. 
• Do not transport propane cylinders in the trunk of a passenger vehicle. 
• Keep matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet. 
• Children should never be allowed to start outdoor cooking equipment. 
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area. 
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing while cooking. 
• Use long BBQ mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames. 
• Always turn off valves when not in use. 
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill. 
• To guard against the possibility of damage or explosion, burners, tubing and piping should be clean and free from insects, dust and debris. 
• When purchasing a grill, select one that bears the approval mark of an independent testing laboratory.

Fireworks Safety Tips:

The best way to protect your loved-ones is not to use fireworks at home. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to professionals. In Pennsylvania, sparklers are the only fireworks legal to purchase without a permit. However, just because they are legal does not mean they can't be dangerous. Keep the celebration safe by following these tips:

• Be careful, sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 2000 Fahrenheit. 
• Light them away from dry leaves or grass. 
• Avoid the use of sparklers in crowded areas. 
• Only allow children to handle sparklers under adult supervision. 
• Pour water on all used fireworks before disposal. 
• Treat any that did not ignite as if they are still lit and extinguish with water. 
• Instead of firecrackers, use a cap gun to make some noise. 
• Leave pieces of fireworks on the ground after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode. 
• Stand several feet away from professionals lighting fireworks; fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.