Emergency Information Center: Utility Outage
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District Threat Level

District Threat Level Is Yellow - Elevated Risk of Terrorist Attacks

What to Do If...

  • Thunderstorm
  • Winter Storm
  • Floods
  • Utlity Outage
  • Fire
  • Heat/Cold
  • Earthquake
  • Tornadoes
  • Hurricane
  • Terrorism
  • HAZMAT
  • Evacuation
  • Shelter in Place

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    Emergency Resources

    Utility Outage
     
    Utility Outage
     
    A utility outage is a situation where commodities such as electricity, water or gas service are interrupted.

    In general, you should take the following protective actions:
    • Keep a battery-powered radio and flashlight; have an extra supply of fresh batteries.
    • Store essential supplies, such as, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, water, non-perishable foods, blankets and a manual can-opener.
    • DO NOT use charcoal indoors! Without proper ventilation, fumes from burnt charcoal can cause a deadly situation.
    • If the air conditioner is not functioning, (during summer months) stay cool by keeping out of direct sunlight and moving to the lowest floor of the building.
    • Use food supplies wisely. Use refrigerated foods first, frozen foods second and non-perishable foods last.
    • Remember that perishable items from the refrigerator can be kept cool for about 4 hours if the refrigerator is left closed.
    • Learn how to safely and properly switch on/off gas valves, water lines, circuit breakers, once utilities have been restored.
    For general questions or to report a problem, call the Mayor's Citywide Call Center at (202) 727-1000. For power outages, call Pepco's 24-Hour Outage Report Line at 1 (877) 737-2662.