BGE: Hundreds of Thousands of Outages Possible

Due to worsening projections for Hurricane Sandy, Baltimore Gas and Electric says it is preparing for as many several hundred thousand outages in the utility's service area lasting multiple days.

Though the storm’s path is still uncertain, Hurricane Sandy—dubbed "Frankenstorm"—is expected to hit Maryland as early as Sunday. Heavy rain and winds of 40 mph are expected, possibly lasting through Wednesday.

Governor Martin O'Malley has already declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.

According to BGE, the company has already started mobilizing several thousand personnel—both field and support—and has requested 2,000 out-of-state and contract workers from as far away as Oklahoma and New Mexico to assist with outages.

“While our crews will be in place and our staging site equipped before the arrival of the storm, the projected high winds and heavy rain may result in extended power outages,” Jeannette M. Mills, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE, said in a statement.

Flooding is also a serious concern with the amount of rain expected. BGE offers this advice:

• Proceed with care if you have experienced flooding in your basement and/or other areas of your home
• Do not enter a room with standing water, particularly if the water covers electrical outlets or electrical cords that are plugged into outlets
• Ensure the electrical system is shut off before entering a flooded room or basement
• Do not attempt to shut off your electrical system if you have to stand in water or on a wet floor to do so
• If you experienced flooding, do not turn on any lights or appliances without having a comprehensive inspection performed by a licensed electrician and also by a registered plumber with a gasfitter's license for gas appliances

Residents should call 877-778-2222 to report downed wires or power outages.