IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A POWER OUTAGE DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS (8:00am-4:30pm) PLEASE CALL 215-536-5001 TO REPORT THE OUTAGE.  AFTER NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS, BOROUGH ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS MUST CALL 215-721-3520.

Snow, ice, high winds and severe storms can cause damage that can lead to power outages. Depending on the destruction, it will take time for us to restore your power. Advance planning is important for everyone and can help you cope a little easier.

Have an emergency kit always available. The kit should include:

• a flashlight with spare batteries
• chemical light sticks
• a battery-operated radio and clock
• first-aid kit
• canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated food
• a manual can opener
• bottled water
• blankets
• baby supplies
• important phone numbers
• cash (ATMs may not be operating)
• and other specialty items, such as prescription medications

If you or a family member depends on life support medical equipment, make sure you have an emergency battery back-up system.

Stay abreast of the current weather conditions, and know what the various weather advisories mean and when you should begin your storm preparations.

Keep a standard phone handy and learn to open your garage door manually. Many cordless phones and automatic garage door openers only work with electricity.

If you have a laptop or cell phone, keep them fully charged so you will have alternate ways to communicate, but note that most times if the power is off your home internet may not be available. Using a wireless internet connection should work.

Make sure you have a plan on how to feed your family in the event of a prolonged power outage. If outages are widespread or travel is dangerous, restaurants may not be available.

For extended power outages, plan for alternate lodging including your pets.

Keep your car's gas tank full in case you need emergency travel.

Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting. Food in a full freezer will generally keep for two days.