ROCKVILLE, Md., August 30, 2010—Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg today testified at a Maryland Public Service Commission public hearing in Rockville that is part of the PSC’s investigation into the reliability of electricity provider Pepco.
The complete text of Councilmember Trachtenberg’s statement:
Good evening.
Earlier this year, Montgomery County experienced one of the most severe winter storms in years. With that storm, Pepco’s emergency plan and preparedness were tested. However, as our homes went without power for days and we were forced to take refuge in hotels of those fortunate areas that had power, we saw that Pepco’s emergency plan was inadequate. After the storms, we, the Council, met with Pepco and discussed their emergency plan. We concluded that improvements needed to be made. As noted then, this was not the first time Pepco’s emergency response was tested and shown to be inadequate.
This past July, several months since the winter, we experienced other severe storms causing major disruptions to our daily lives. During these instances, Pepco had the opportunity to prove to us—its customers and our constituents—that improvements were made and that they could implement an adequate response. It was an opportunity to restore our faith in the utility company. However, as we know, Pepco failed to meet our expectations. Once again, many of us lost power for days.
I am amazed that Pepco did not take any remedial steps to improve system reliability following the devastating winter storms and other disruptions. This was an important opportunity to assess system weaknesses and to enhance energy security for our County. That there were no ‘lessons learned’ and no remedial steps taken is unexplainable and inexcusable.
The frequency, number and duration of the power outages experienced by customers in the Pepco service area—and the apparent breakdown of adequate communication between the company and its customers during these outage events—is unacceptable. It was unacceptable for Pepco to begin a restoration information hotline days after the July storm that told everyone, regardless of where they lived or the severity of their situation, that a power restoration time would be ‘Friday at 11:59 p.m.’ A ghost ‘restoration time’ was neither the solution nor an adequate means of communicating real priority to consumers.
Frequent and extended interruptions in electric service, as we have experienced, undoubtedly have serious consequences for public safety, public health, business operations and our overall quality of life. As public officials, as community leaders and as concerned neighbors, we must be especially mindful of the dangerous impact that these extended outages have on the elderly, those who rely on their medical equipment, parents with infants and children—as well as our hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It should not take a tragic event or public health crisis for Pepco administrators to take action and improve both their emergency response and overall service quality. In my mind, our greatest obligation as public servants, and even as utility providers, is to protect the safety and well-being of our Montgomery County residents—the 305,000 who happen to be Pepco customers.
I hope that Pepco understands the responsibility they must honor in the months and years ahead.
Showing posts with label summer storm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer storm. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Invitation to Speak at Public Hearing on Pepco Operations and Electricity Reliability
INVITATION
Public Hearing on Pepco Operations and Electricity Reliability
Monday, August 30, 2010
Montgomery County Council Office Building
100 Maryland Avenue
Rockville, MD 20852
I share your concerns about the reliability of the electricity system in Montgomery County. Too frequently, Montgomery County residents have had to suffer through extended interruptions in electric service, with serious impacts on public safety, public health, business operations, and their residential quality of life. At a recent Council hearing on these issues, I was astonished to learn that Pepco had not taken any remedial steps to improve system reliability following the devastating winter storms of earlier this year. This was an important opportunity to assess system weaknesses and to enhance energy security for our County. The fact that there were no ‘lessons learned’ and no remedial steps taken is inexcusable and demands investigation by the Maryland Public Service Commission.
On Monday, August 30, 2010, you are invited to attend and to share your concerns about the reliability of PEPCO’s electricity distribution reliability at a Public Hearing that will be held in the Council Office Building in Rockville.
The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) is continuing its investigation into “the reliability of Potomac Electric Power Company’s (Pepco) electric distribution system and the quality of electric distribution service that Pepco is providing its customers” by holding a public hearing at the Montgomery County Council’s Stella Werner Office Building in Rockville at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 30.
The public hearing will be held in the third floor hearing room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. Elected officials who wish to speak should contact the PSC’s director of legislative affairs by Aug. 27.
If you wish to speak at the hearing, you must sign in at the hearing room starting at 5:30 p.m. Speakers will be limited to a maximum of five minutes. All attending must bring photo identification to enter the hearing room.
Written comments may be filed by Aug. 31. Originally signed comments on paper may be submitted to Terry J. Romine, Executive Secretary, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. Comments must reference “Case No. 9240—Public Comment.” To ensure comments are entered into the PSC docket system, all comments must be mailed or hand-delivered. Comments sent via e-mail or fax will not be entered into the Commission’s docket system.
The public hearing will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). The broadcast also can be viewed via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
This is an important valuable opportunity for you to express your views and opinions to the County Council about Pepco's operations and reliability. Your attendance and participation will help our efforts immeasurably.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Invitation to Public Hearing on Pepco and Electricity Reliability in Montgomery County - August 30, 2010 at 6 pm
INVITATION
Maryland PSC Public Hearing on Pepco Operations and Electricity Reliability
Monday, August 30, 2010
Montgomery County Council Office Building
100 Maryland Avenue
Rockville, MD 20852
On Monday, August 30, 2010, you are invited to attend and to share your concerns about the reliability of PEPCO’s electricity distribution reliability at a Public Hearing that will be held in the Council Office Building in Rockville.
The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) is continuing its investigation into “the reliability of Potomac Electric Power Company’s (Pepco) electric distribution system and the quality of electric distribution service that Pepco is providing its customers” by holding a public hearing at the Montgomery County Council’s Stella Werner Office Building in Rockville at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 30.
The public hearing will be held in the third floor hearing room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. Elected officials who wish to speak should contact the PSC’s director of legislative affairs by Aug. 27.
If you wish to speak at the hearing, you must sign in at the hearing room starting at 5:30 p.m. Speakers will be limited to a maximum of five minutes. All attending must bring photo identification to enter the hearing room.
Written comments may be filed by Aug. 31. Originally signed comments on paper may be submitted to Terry J. Romine, Executive Secretary, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. Comments must reference “Case No. 9240—Public Comment.” To ensure comments are entered into the PSC docket system, all comments must be mailed or hand-delivered. Comments sent via e-mail or fax will not be entered into the Commission’s docket system.
The public hearing will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). The broadcast also can be viewed via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Councilmember Trachtenberg Attends Maryland Public Service Commission Hearing on PEPCO Reliability
Duchy Trachtenberg joined her County Council colleagues in Baltimore yesterday as the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) initiated “a proceeding to investigate the reliability of Potomac Electric Power Company’s (Pepco) electric distribution system and the quality of electric distribution service that Pepco is providing its customers.” The Public Service Commission ordered Pepco’s chief operating officer and the company’s senior officers responsible for system reliability and construction of maintenance, storm restoration and customer service and communications to appear at a “legislative-type hearing” in the commission’s 16th floor hearing room at the William Donald Schaefer Tower at 6 Saint Paul Street in Baltimore.
“I have ongoing concerns about the reliability of the electricity system in Montgomery County,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “Too frequently, Montgomery County residents have had to suffer through extended interruptions in electric service, with serious impacts on public safety, public health, business operations, and their residential quality of life. At our recent hearing on these issues, I was astonished to learn that Pepco had not taken any remedial steps to improve system reliability following the devastating winter storms of earlier this year. This was an important opportunity to assess system weaknesses and to enhance energy security for our County. The fact that there were no ‘lessons learned’ and no remedial steps taken is inexcusable and demands investigation by the Maryland Public Service Commission,” she said.
The Public Service Commission announced on Thursday evening, Aug. 12, that it would begin the investigation after morning and afternoon storms that day left more than 90,000 customers without power. The Commission’s order stated the investigation was being initiated “because of the frequency, number and duration of the power outages experienced by customer in the Pepco service area and the apparent breakdown of adequate communication between the company and its customer during these outage events.” The Commission went on to say that it “finds it necessary to conduct an immediate investigation into the reliability of the Pepco distribution system and the quality of distribution service Pepco is providing its customers, including but not limited to its performance during and following severe storms, and a comprehensive examination of Pepco’s storm preparedness and reliability.”
The County Council’s letter of July 29th to the PSC asking for an investigation cited many of the same concerns the PSC identified in deciding to act. In their letter, Councilmembers wrote: “We are writing to ask the Commission to open an investigation into the reliability of electricity in Pepco’s Montgomery County’s service territory. Our residents and businesses have suffered an unacceptable number and duration of outages for many years, outages that have harmed public health, public safety and the County’s economy. As a distribution-only utility, the quality and reliability of Pepco’s service is exclusively within your authority. We ask you to invoke that authority to ensure our citizens of acceptable levels of reliability.”
“I have ongoing concerns about the reliability of the electricity system in Montgomery County,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “Too frequently, Montgomery County residents have had to suffer through extended interruptions in electric service, with serious impacts on public safety, public health, business operations, and their residential quality of life. At our recent hearing on these issues, I was astonished to learn that Pepco had not taken any remedial steps to improve system reliability following the devastating winter storms of earlier this year. This was an important opportunity to assess system weaknesses and to enhance energy security for our County. The fact that there were no ‘lessons learned’ and no remedial steps taken is inexcusable and demands investigation by the Maryland Public Service Commission,” she said.
The Public Service Commission announced on Thursday evening, Aug. 12, that it would begin the investigation after morning and afternoon storms that day left more than 90,000 customers without power. The Commission’s order stated the investigation was being initiated “because of the frequency, number and duration of the power outages experienced by customer in the Pepco service area and the apparent breakdown of adequate communication between the company and its customer during these outage events.” The Commission went on to say that it “finds it necessary to conduct an immediate investigation into the reliability of the Pepco distribution system and the quality of distribution service Pepco is providing its customers, including but not limited to its performance during and following severe storms, and a comprehensive examination of Pepco’s storm preparedness and reliability.”
The County Council’s letter of July 29th to the PSC asking for an investigation cited many of the same concerns the PSC identified in deciding to act. In their letter, Councilmembers wrote: “We are writing to ask the Commission to open an investigation into the reliability of electricity in Pepco’s Montgomery County’s service territory. Our residents and businesses have suffered an unacceptable number and duration of outages for many years, outages that have harmed public health, public safety and the County’s economy. As a distribution-only utility, the quality and reliability of Pepco’s service is exclusively within your authority. We ask you to invoke that authority to ensure our citizens of acceptable levels of reliability.”
Friday, August 13, 2010
SUMMER STORM UPDATE FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY
* As a result of yesterday’s severe thunderstorms, about 32,000 customers in Montgomery County are without power.
* Approximately 30 traffic signals are without power. Treat all "dark" intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.
*Ride On bus service
Expect detours and delays due to road closures. Currently, portions of Rtes. 2, 10, 13, 14, 19 and 57 are being detoured due to road closures. Go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rideon for Ride On information on bus routes.
*There are still about 23 roads that are closed in Montgomery County, primarily in the downcounty.
*Libraries:
The Long Branch Library remains closed due to power outages.
*Recreation facilities:
All indoor and outdoor pools are closed.
Wheaton, Coffield and Long Branch community centers are closed.
*The Montgomery County Department of Parks reports the following closures:
Park train cloWheaton Regional sed.
Cabin John Regional Park train closed.
The Park Permit office at 9500 Brunett Avenue in Silver Spring remains closed due to power outages. Check http://www.parkpermits.org/ for updated information.
Park patrons are advised to call ahead to check on status of park facilities.
* For emergencies, call 911.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 311, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311.
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at 800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.
* To report "hot" or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
As power is restored in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.
Food safety tips
Disposal of tree debris in Montgomery County
* Approximately 30 traffic signals are without power. Treat all "dark" intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.
*Ride On bus service
Expect detours and delays due to road closures. Currently, portions of Rtes. 2, 10, 13, 14, 19 and 57 are being detoured due to road closures. Go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rideon for Ride On information on bus routes.
*There are still about 23 roads that are closed in Montgomery County, primarily in the downcounty.
*Libraries:
The Long Branch Library remains closed due to power outages.
*Recreation facilities:
All indoor and outdoor pools are closed.
Wheaton, Coffield and Long Branch community centers are closed.
*The Montgomery County Department of Parks reports the following closures:
Park train cloWheaton Regional sed.
Cabin John Regional Park train closed.
The Park Permit office at 9500 Brunett Avenue in Silver Spring remains closed due to power outages. Check http://www.parkpermits.org/ for updated information.
Park patrons are advised to call ahead to check on status of park facilities.
* For emergencies, call 911.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 311, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311.
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at 800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.
* To report "hot" or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
As power is restored in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.
Food safety tips
Disposal of tree debris in Montgomery County
Disposing of Tree Debris in Montgomery County
Trees or branches may be disposed as follows:
On Private Property:
Tree debris on private property will be collected on a residents’ regular recycling day if it is no more than four-feet in length and four inches in diameter.
Bag, bundle, or containerize tree branches and limbs, keeping bundles less than 45 pounds and less than 30 inches in diameter.
Tree debris that is too large for curbside collection, or cannot be bagged, bundled, or containerized can be recycled at no charge to single family home residents (up to 500 pounds) at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station, located at 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood. Check the County’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/solidwaste for hours of operation.
Another option is to contact a private company, such a tree service, landscaping or lawn service, for assistance in removing and disposing of storm debris.
Residents may want to check with their home insurance company, which may cover storm debris removal and disposal.
In the Public Right-of-Way:
Montgomery County Department of Transportation crews are collecting trees and branches that have fallen into the public right-of-way.
To report tree debris in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1.
On Private Property:
Tree debris on private property will be collected on a residents’ regular recycling day if it is no more than four-feet in length and four inches in diameter.
Bag, bundle, or containerize tree branches and limbs, keeping bundles less than 45 pounds and less than 30 inches in diameter.
Tree debris that is too large for curbside collection, or cannot be bagged, bundled, or containerized can be recycled at no charge to single family home residents (up to 500 pounds) at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station, located at 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood. Check the County’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/solidwaste for hours of operation.
Another option is to contact a private company, such a tree service, landscaping or lawn service, for assistance in removing and disposing of storm debris.
Residents may want to check with their home insurance company, which may cover storm debris removal and disposal.
In the Public Right-of-Way:
Montgomery County Department of Transportation crews are collecting trees and branches that have fallen into the public right-of-way.
To report tree debris in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
SUMMER STORM UPDATE FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY
* As a result of this morning’s severe thunderstorm, about 72,000 customers in Montgomery County are without power.
* About 150 traffic signals are without power. Treat all "dark" intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.
* Metro Red Line stations at Forest Glen and Cleveland Park are closed due to flooding; Silver Spring and Takoma Park are running on “single track.”
* For emergencies, call 911.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311.
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at 800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.
* To report "hot" or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
As power is restored in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.
Alerts and updates are available on the County's Facebook page and through Twitter. Sign up for Alert Montgomery on the County's website at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on County facilities, programs, and services.
* About 150 traffic signals are without power. Treat all "dark" intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.
* Metro Red Line stations at Forest Glen and Cleveland Park are closed due to flooding; Silver Spring and Takoma Park are running on “single track.”
* For emergencies, call 911.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311.
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at 800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.
* To report "hot" or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
As power is restored in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.
Alerts and updates are available on the County's Facebook page and through Twitter. Sign up for Alert Montgomery on the County's website at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on County facilities, programs, and services.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Montgomery Council Asks Maryland Public Service Commission to Investigate Pepco’s ‘Reliability of Electricity’
County’s Letter to MPSC Chair Asks ‘Whether or Not Pepco Has Sufficient In-house Staff to Maintain its Infrastructure’
ROCKVILLE, Md., July 29, 2010—The Montgomery County Council today unanimously signed a letter to the Maryland Public Service Commission asking for “an investigation into the reliability of electricity in Pepco’s Montgomery County’s service territory.” More than 200,000 County homes were left without electricity for various periods following a sudden storm on Sunday, July 25. Many homes were still without power as the Council signed the letter five days later.
“Our residents and businesses have suffered an unacceptable number and duration of outages for many years, outages that have harmed public health, public safety and the County’s economy,” reads the letter addressed to Douglas R.M. Nazarian, Chairman of the Maryland Public Service Commission. “As a distribution-only utility, the quality and reliability of Pepco’s service is exclusively within your authority. We ask you to invoke that authority to ensure our citizens of acceptable levels of reliability.”
The letter also cites that Montgomery County suffers isolated power outages even when major winter or other storms are not the cause. “And this happens all too often,” the letter states, “leading us to ask whether or not Pepco has sufficient in-house staff to maintain its infrastructure.”
Thursday, July 29, 2010
SUMMER STORM UPDATE
Power Restoration Status (updated):
• 5,535 Pepco customers remain without power in Montgomery County.
• Pepco is urging residents whose time for power restoration has passed to call Pepco to ensure that they still have the address on their outage list. In addition, if a resident’s power was restored but has gone out again, call v to report the new outage.
• To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662. Other utility providers in Montgomery County are Allegheny Power at 800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.
• To report “hot” or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
• As Pepco restores power in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.
• Pepco has about 400 crews at work.
Traffic and Ride On (updated):
• About six traffic signals remain dark. Police officers are directing traffic at many of these intersections.
• Treat all “dark” intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.
• About 11 County roads remain blocked by fallen trees or downed wires.
• To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311.
Libraries (new):
• Power has been restored to the Silver Spring Library. The library will open today, but the opening will be delayed to about 11:30 a.m. to allow the air conditioning to cool off the building.
• All other libraries will be open for their regular operating hours today.
Recreation Programs/Pools (reported last night):
• Classes, camps or programs at the following locations are cancelled for Thursday, July 29:
o Burning Tree Elementary School
o Carderock Springs Elementary School
o Concord Center
o Glenallan Elementary School
o Harmony Hills Elementary School
o Highland View Elementary School
o Julius West Middle School
o Sligo Middle School
o Strathmore Elementary School
o Westland Middle School
• All other Montgomery County Recreation Department programs will return to regular operations, locations and schedules on Thursday, July 29.
• For the latest updates or other information, go to the Recreation website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec.
Parks (updated):
• Brookside Gardens’ Conservatory Building and the Wings of Fancy Butterfly Show will reopen today at 10 a.m.
• Wheaton Ice Rink will reopen today at 4:15 p.m. for the public session.
• Brookside Nature Center remains closed due to damage from a fallen tree.
• In the train, carousel and picnic shelter area of Wheaton Regional Park, patrons are advised to stay away from fallen trees and all areas enclosed with caution tape. Crews will be clearing this area as soon as possible.
• All other facilities are open for their normal operating hours.
• Additional updates will be posted at http://www.montgomeryparks.org/.
Tree Debris Collection:
On Private Property:
• Tree debris on private property will be collected on a residents’ regular recycling day if it is no more than four-feet in length and four inches in diameter.
• Bag, bundle, or containerize tree branches and limbs, keeping bundles less than 45 pounds and less than 30 inches in diameter.
• Tree debris that is too large for curbside collection, or cannot be bagged, bundled, or containerized can be recycled at no charge to single family home residents (up to 500 pounds) at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station, located at 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood. Check the County’s website for hours of operation.
• Another option is to contact a private company, such a tree service, landscaping or lawn service, for assistance in removing and disposing of storm debris.
• Residents may want to check with their home insurance company, which may cover storm debris removal and disposal.
In the Public Right-of-Way:
• The County’s Department of Transportation’s crews are collecting trees and branches that have fallen into the public right-of-way.
• County crews are out in full force on plow routes collecting storm debris from County right-of-ways.
• Crews have not yet completed all routes throughout the County.
• To report tree debris in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1.
Other County Services (reported last night):
• The Department of Permitting Services will operate at its normal location, 255 Rockville Pike, today.
Food Safety:
Residents:
• Residents who remain without power should take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.
• According to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.
• View consumer safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Food Service Facilities:
• Keep freezers closed. A full, freestanding freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for about two days; a half-full freezer about one day.
• If available, 25 pounds of dry ice should be sufficient for a 10-cubic foot freezer for three to four days. Carefully follow the handling instructions for dry ice.
• Keep refrigerators closed. Refrigerated food is safe if the power is out only for short periods.
• For more information, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-800-535-4555
• For information from Montgomery County Licensure and Regulatory Services, call 3-1-1.
• View food service safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
The County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security presented information on Tuesday to the Montgomery County Council about the County's response to the severe storm. See the presentation on the County’s website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Alerts and updates are available on the County's Facebook page and through Twitter. Sign up for Alert Montgomery on the County’s website at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on County facilities, programs, and services.
• 5,535 Pepco customers remain without power in Montgomery County.
• Pepco is urging residents whose time for power restoration has passed to call Pepco to ensure that they still have the address on their outage list. In addition, if a resident’s power was restored but has gone out again, call v to report the new outage.
• To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662. Other utility providers in Montgomery County are Allegheny Power at 800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.
• To report “hot” or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
• As Pepco restores power in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.
• Pepco has about 400 crews at work.
Traffic and Ride On (updated):
• About six traffic signals remain dark. Police officers are directing traffic at many of these intersections.
• Treat all “dark” intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.
• About 11 County roads remain blocked by fallen trees or downed wires.
• To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311.
Libraries (new):
• Power has been restored to the Silver Spring Library. The library will open today, but the opening will be delayed to about 11:30 a.m. to allow the air conditioning to cool off the building.
• All other libraries will be open for their regular operating hours today.
Recreation Programs/Pools (reported last night):
• Classes, camps or programs at the following locations are cancelled for Thursday, July 29:
o Burning Tree Elementary School
o Carderock Springs Elementary School
o Concord Center
o Glenallan Elementary School
o Harmony Hills Elementary School
o Highland View Elementary School
o Julius West Middle School
o Sligo Middle School
o Strathmore Elementary School
o Westland Middle School
• All other Montgomery County Recreation Department programs will return to regular operations, locations and schedules on Thursday, July 29.
• For the latest updates or other information, go to the Recreation website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec.
Parks (updated):
• Brookside Gardens’ Conservatory Building and the Wings of Fancy Butterfly Show will reopen today at 10 a.m.
• Wheaton Ice Rink will reopen today at 4:15 p.m. for the public session.
• Brookside Nature Center remains closed due to damage from a fallen tree.
• In the train, carousel and picnic shelter area of Wheaton Regional Park, patrons are advised to stay away from fallen trees and all areas enclosed with caution tape. Crews will be clearing this area as soon as possible.
• All other facilities are open for their normal operating hours.
• Additional updates will be posted at http://www.montgomeryparks.org/.
Tree Debris Collection:
On Private Property:
• Tree debris on private property will be collected on a residents’ regular recycling day if it is no more than four-feet in length and four inches in diameter.
• Bag, bundle, or containerize tree branches and limbs, keeping bundles less than 45 pounds and less than 30 inches in diameter.
• Tree debris that is too large for curbside collection, or cannot be bagged, bundled, or containerized can be recycled at no charge to single family home residents (up to 500 pounds) at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station, located at 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood. Check the County’s website for hours of operation.
• Another option is to contact a private company, such a tree service, landscaping or lawn service, for assistance in removing and disposing of storm debris.
• Residents may want to check with their home insurance company, which may cover storm debris removal and disposal.
In the Public Right-of-Way:
• The County’s Department of Transportation’s crews are collecting trees and branches that have fallen into the public right-of-way.
• County crews are out in full force on plow routes collecting storm debris from County right-of-ways.
• Crews have not yet completed all routes throughout the County.
• To report tree debris in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1.
Other County Services (reported last night):
• The Department of Permitting Services will operate at its normal location, 255 Rockville Pike, today.
Food Safety:
Residents:
• Residents who remain without power should take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.
• According to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.
• View consumer safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Food Service Facilities:
• Keep freezers closed. A full, freestanding freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for about two days; a half-full freezer about one day.
• If available, 25 pounds of dry ice should be sufficient for a 10-cubic foot freezer for three to four days. Carefully follow the handling instructions for dry ice.
• Keep refrigerators closed. Refrigerated food is safe if the power is out only for short periods.
• For more information, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-800-535-4555
• For information from Montgomery County Licensure and Regulatory Services, call 3-1-1.
• View food service safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
The County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security presented information on Tuesday to the Montgomery County Council about the County's response to the severe storm. See the presentation on the County’s website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Alerts and updates are available on the County's Facebook page and through Twitter. Sign up for Alert Montgomery on the County’s website at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on County facilities, programs, and services.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
SUMMER STORM UPDATE FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Power Restoration Status (updated):
* 29,372 Pepco customers remain without power in Montgomery County.
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at
800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.
* To report "hot" or sparkling wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
* As Pepco restores power in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.
* Pepco has about 400 crews at work.
Traffic and Ride On (updated):
* 15 traffic signals remain dark, mostly in the Bethesda area. Police officers are directing traffic at these intersections.
* Treat all "dark" intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.
* 35 County roads remain blocked by fallen trees or downed wires.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311. The 311 Call Center will reopen at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning.
* County crews are out in full force on plow routes sweeping roads and County right-of-ways for storm debris.
* Ride On is operating on a normal schedule. Check www.rideonbus.com for more information.
Shelters (updated):
* The shelter located at Richard Montgomery High School has closed.
Food Safety:
Residents:
* Residents who remain without power should take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.
* According to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.
* View consumer safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Food Service Facilities:
* Keep freezers closed. A full, freestanding freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for about two days; a half-full freezer about one day.
* If available, 25 pounds of dry ice should be sufficient for a 10-cubic foot freezer for three to four days. Carefully follow the handling instructions for dry ice.
* Keep refrigerators closed. Refrigerated food is safe if the power is out only for short periods.
* For more information, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-800-535-4555.
* For information from Montgomery County Licensure and Regulatory Services, call 3-1-1.
* View food service safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Recreation Programs/Pools:
* All Department of Recreation facilities, including pools, are open, with accompanying programs in those facilities continuing as scheduled.
NORTHERN REGION CAMPS
All Up County sites will return to normal scheduling. Extended and bus hubs will be in place.
MID COUNTY REGION:
All mid county sites will return to normal scheduling. Extended and bus hubs will be in place.
DOWN COUNTY REGION CAMPS:
Potomac Extended and bus Route PT07 will be relocated to Bells Mill Elementary School. Center Stage, Third Quarter and Patowmack will be relocated to Bells Mill Elementary. Pyle Extended Camp, Arrowhead and the PY08 Bus route will be relocated to Lawton Community Center.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
Personal Pursuits and Camp Apollo will meet at Rock Terrace High and be transported off-site if the school remains without power. Big Pines, Little Pines and TR Summer Teen will meet at Bauer Drive Community Center. Project Discovery and Creative Afternoons will be canceled if Forest Knolls Elementary remains without power.
SUMMER FUN CENTERS:
These sites will be canceled for Wednesday July 28, 2010:
Chevy Chase Elementary
Highland View Elem
Wheaton High School
Wyngate Elementary
Coffield Community Center
CLASSES and CONTRACT CAMPS:
Those scheduled in schools and facilities without power will be canceled.
Parks (updated):
* Brookside Gardens and the Visitors Center is open. The Conservatory and Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly Exhibit remain closed. Visitors should avoid Glenallan Avenue between the Conservatory Entrance and the Visitors Center Entrance because of a downed tree.
* The following facilities will be open Wednesday: Cabin John Miniature Train, Cabin John Ice Rink, South Germantown Splash Park and Miniature Golf facility, Wheaton Indoor Tennis Center, Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center at Cabin John Regional Park, the Black Hill Regional Park boat rental facility, Needwood boat rental facility (at Rock Creek Park), Meadowside Nature Center, the Park Permit Office in Silver Spring, Locust Grove Nature Center and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel at Wheaton Regional Park.
* The following facilities remain closed: Wheaton Ice Rink, Wheaton Miniature Train, and Brookside Nature Center.
* In the train, carousel and picnic shelter area of Wheaton Regional Park, patrons are advised to stay away from fallen trees and all areas enclosed with caution tape. Crews will be clearing this area as soon as possible.
* Additional updates will be posted at http://www.montgomeryparks.org/.
Other County Services (updated):
* County departments located at 255 Rockville Pike will resume operations there today.
* Trash and recycling pickups will operate on normal schedules.
* Little Falls library remains closed. County offices at 11 N. Washington are also still without power.
* Montgomery College campuses are open.
The County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security presented information yesterday to the Montgomery County Council about the County's response to the severe storm. See the presentation on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Alerts and updates are available on the County's Facebook page and through Twitter. Sign up for Alert Montgomery on the County's website at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on County facilities, programs, and services.
* 29,372 Pepco customers remain without power in Montgomery County.
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at
800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.
* To report "hot" or sparkling wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
* As Pepco restores power in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.
* Pepco has about 400 crews at work.
Traffic and Ride On (updated):
* 15 traffic signals remain dark, mostly in the Bethesda area. Police officers are directing traffic at these intersections.
* Treat all "dark" intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.
* 35 County roads remain blocked by fallen trees or downed wires.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311. The 311 Call Center will reopen at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning.
* County crews are out in full force on plow routes sweeping roads and County right-of-ways for storm debris.
* Ride On is operating on a normal schedule. Check www.rideonbus.com for more information.
Shelters (updated):
* The shelter located at Richard Montgomery High School has closed.
Food Safety:
Residents:
* Residents who remain without power should take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.
* According to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.
* View consumer safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Food Service Facilities:
* Keep freezers closed. A full, freestanding freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for about two days; a half-full freezer about one day.
* If available, 25 pounds of dry ice should be sufficient for a 10-cubic foot freezer for three to four days. Carefully follow the handling instructions for dry ice.
* Keep refrigerators closed. Refrigerated food is safe if the power is out only for short periods.
* For more information, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-800-535-4555.
* For information from Montgomery County Licensure and Regulatory Services, call 3-1-1.
* View food service safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Recreation Programs/Pools:
* All Department of Recreation facilities, including pools, are open, with accompanying programs in those facilities continuing as scheduled.
NORTHERN REGION CAMPS
All Up County sites will return to normal scheduling. Extended and bus hubs will be in place.
MID COUNTY REGION:
All mid county sites will return to normal scheduling. Extended and bus hubs will be in place.
DOWN COUNTY REGION CAMPS:
Potomac Extended and bus Route PT07 will be relocated to Bells Mill Elementary School. Center Stage, Third Quarter and Patowmack will be relocated to Bells Mill Elementary. Pyle Extended Camp, Arrowhead and the PY08 Bus route will be relocated to Lawton Community Center.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
Personal Pursuits and Camp Apollo will meet at Rock Terrace High and be transported off-site if the school remains without power. Big Pines, Little Pines and TR Summer Teen will meet at Bauer Drive Community Center. Project Discovery and Creative Afternoons will be canceled if Forest Knolls Elementary remains without power.
SUMMER FUN CENTERS:
These sites will be canceled for Wednesday July 28, 2010:
Chevy Chase Elementary
Highland View Elem
Wheaton High School
Wyngate Elementary
Coffield Community Center
CLASSES and CONTRACT CAMPS:
Those scheduled in schools and facilities without power will be canceled.
Parks (updated):
* Brookside Gardens and the Visitors Center is open. The Conservatory and Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly Exhibit remain closed. Visitors should avoid Glenallan Avenue between the Conservatory Entrance and the Visitors Center Entrance because of a downed tree.
* The following facilities will be open Wednesday: Cabin John Miniature Train, Cabin John Ice Rink, South Germantown Splash Park and Miniature Golf facility, Wheaton Indoor Tennis Center, Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center at Cabin John Regional Park, the Black Hill Regional Park boat rental facility, Needwood boat rental facility (at Rock Creek Park), Meadowside Nature Center, the Park Permit Office in Silver Spring, Locust Grove Nature Center and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel at Wheaton Regional Park.
* The following facilities remain closed: Wheaton Ice Rink, Wheaton Miniature Train, and Brookside Nature Center.
* In the train, carousel and picnic shelter area of Wheaton Regional Park, patrons are advised to stay away from fallen trees and all areas enclosed with caution tape. Crews will be clearing this area as soon as possible.
* Additional updates will be posted at http://www.montgomeryparks.org/.
Other County Services (updated):
* County departments located at 255 Rockville Pike will resume operations there today.
* Trash and recycling pickups will operate on normal schedules.
* Little Falls library remains closed. County offices at 11 N. Washington are also still without power.
* Montgomery College campuses are open.
The County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security presented information yesterday to the Montgomery County Council about the County's response to the severe storm. See the presentation on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Alerts and updates are available on the County's Facebook page and through Twitter. Sign up for Alert Montgomery on the County's website at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on County facilities, programs, and services.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Pepco to Provide Detailed Estimated Restoration Times
Pepco announced today that it will begin to provide customers with estimated restoration times. Customers without power are asked to call 1-877-737-2662 for an individual estimated restoration time. Calling 1-877-737-2662 is the fastest way for customers to receive an estimated restoration time.
As of noon, pepco crews have restored power to more than 230,000 customers and expect to have power restored to the majority of customers by Thursday.
As of noon, pepco crews have restored power to more than 230,000 customers and expect to have power restored to the majority of customers by Thursday.
County Offers Tips on Keeping Food Safe During Power Outage
Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Ulder J. Tillman today urged residents who remain without power to take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.
“It is important for everyone who remains without power to determine if food is safe to eat and reduce the risk of food borne illness,” said Tillman.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.
“It is important for everyone who remains without power to determine if food is safe to eat and reduce the risk of food borne illness,” said Tillman.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. A refrigerator will only keep food safely cold for about four hours if it is unopened.
- A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
- Obtain dry ice or block ice to keep your refrigerator as cold as possible if there is a prolonged power outage. Residents should check with local retailers for ice supplies.
- Digital, dial or instant-read thermometers and appliance thermometers will help determine if the food is at safe temperatures. The refrigerator temperature should be at 40°F or below; the freezer, 0°or lower.
- To be sure a particular food is cold enough; take its temperature with a food thermometer.
- Never taste food to determine its safety!
- Food may be safely refrozen if the food it still contains ice crystal or is at 40°F or below. Evaluate each food item separately. Be sure to discard any items in either the freezer or the refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices.
- Food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, soft cheeses, butter and leftover cooked meats, casseroles and pizza should be thrown out if they have been held above 40° F for over two hours.
Monday, July 26, 2010
WSSC water restrictions for Montgomery County have been lifted.
WSSC water restrictions for Montgomery County have been lifted.
Storm Update
A major storm has caused widespread power outages.
The latest update on conditions include:
* All Montgomery County Recreation facilities are closed today except for the Upper County Neighborhood, Germantown, East County Neighborhood and Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Centers and the Germantown Indoor and Olney Swim Centers.
* Due to storm related power outage at 255 Rockville Pike, the Occupational Medical Service (OMS) unit is closed today. All appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
* All other sites are closed, including the main administrative office.
* All summer camps, summer fun centers and Recreation summer classes are cancelled for today.
* Montgomery College Rockville campus will be closed today. Takoma Park and Germantown campuses will be open.
* Montgomery County’s Permitting Services will be closed to the public.
* The Occupational Medical Service unit is closed and all appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
* About 187,000 Pepco customers in Montgomery County remain without power.
* 270 County traffic signals remain without power.
* Downed trees throughout the County are still blocking many roads.
* A shelter is open at the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring.
* Mandatory water restrictions remain in effect for all Montgomery County and Prince Georges County residents on public water systems until water supplies are recharged. This includes Rockville residents. Residents on private wells are unaffected by the mandatory water restrictions.
* Residents and businesses are urged to use water only for essential indoor uses so sufficient water will be available for hospitals, emergency services and fire fighting.
* All Montgomery County Parks and Recreation programs are cancelled for today, July 26, including, classes, camps and activities.
* The County’s 311 call center has been activated and is available for non-emergency calls.
* Residents can report downed trees in the public right-of-way by calling 3-1-1 from within Montgomery County or 240-777-0311 from outside the County.
Water customers should:
*Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools
*Use water only as necessary – i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands.
*Limit toilet flushings (do not flush after every use).
*Limit washing machine and dishwasher use (wash full loads only).
* Residents are urged to check on their neighbors, particularly seniors or those with special needs.
* For emergency assistance, residents should call 911.
* Don't travel if you don't need to.
* Treat all dark intersections as four-way stops. Proceed cautiously.
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, , Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
* To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 9-1-1.
* Ride On will operate on Monday, as will trash and recycling collections. These operations could be delayed due to traffic signal power outages.
Pepco has indicated this will be a "multi-day restoration."
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.
If you have any questions or comments, please visit the MC311 Portal at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311 or call 240-777-0311 to speak with a Customer Service Representative.
The latest update on conditions include:
* All Montgomery County Recreation facilities are closed today except for the Upper County Neighborhood, Germantown, East County Neighborhood and Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Centers and the Germantown Indoor and Olney Swim Centers.
* Due to storm related power outage at 255 Rockville Pike, the Occupational Medical Service (OMS) unit is closed today. All appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
* All other sites are closed, including the main administrative office.
* All summer camps, summer fun centers and Recreation summer classes are cancelled for today.
* Montgomery College Rockville campus will be closed today. Takoma Park and Germantown campuses will be open.
* Montgomery County’s Permitting Services will be closed to the public.
* The Occupational Medical Service unit is closed and all appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
* About 187,000 Pepco customers in Montgomery County remain without power.
* 270 County traffic signals remain without power.
* Downed trees throughout the County are still blocking many roads.
* A shelter is open at the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring.
* Mandatory water restrictions remain in effect for all Montgomery County and Prince Georges County residents on public water systems until water supplies are recharged. This includes Rockville residents. Residents on private wells are unaffected by the mandatory water restrictions.
* Residents and businesses are urged to use water only for essential indoor uses so sufficient water will be available for hospitals, emergency services and fire fighting.
* All Montgomery County Parks and Recreation programs are cancelled for today, July 26, including, classes, camps and activities.
* The County’s 311 call center has been activated and is available for non-emergency calls.
* Residents can report downed trees in the public right-of-way by calling 3-1-1 from within Montgomery County or 240-777-0311 from outside the County.
Water customers should:
*Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools
*Use water only as necessary – i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands.
*Limit toilet flushings (do not flush after every use).
*Limit washing machine and dishwasher use (wash full loads only).
* Residents are urged to check on their neighbors, particularly seniors or those with special needs.
* For emergency assistance, residents should call 911.
* Don't travel if you don't need to.
* Treat all dark intersections as four-way stops. Proceed cautiously.
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, , Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
* To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 9-1-1.
* Ride On will operate on Monday, as will trash and recycling collections. These operations could be delayed due to traffic signal power outages.
Pepco has indicated this will be a "multi-day restoration."
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.
If you have any questions or comments, please visit the MC311 Portal at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311 or call 240-777-0311 to speak with a Customer Service Representative.
SUMMER STORM UPDATE FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY
The latest update is:
Libraries:
* The following libraries scheduled to open at 10 a.m. have no power or phone service and will not open as scheduled: Kensington Park, Little Falls, Long Branch and Wheaton.
* The following libraries will open at 10 a.m. as scheduled: Bethesda, Germantown, Quince Orchard, Rockville Memorial and Twinbrook.
Shelters:
* Two additional shelters have opened at Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville and Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown. The shelter at the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring remains open.
* Individuals planning to go to a shelter should bring all medications and personal supplies with them.
* Pets are not permitted at shelters except for service animals. Residents are urged not to leave their pets alone at home. Instead, call Montgomery County Animal Services at 240-773-5900 to make arrangements for pet care.
Recreation Centers:
* All Montgomery County Recreation facilities are closed today except for the Upper County Neighborhood, Germantown, East County Neighborhood and Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Centers and the Germantown Indoor and Olney Swim Centers.
* All other Recreation sites are closed, including the main administrative office.
* All summer camps, summer fun centers and Recreation summer classes are cancelled for today.
Parks:
* The following Montgomery Parks facilities are open and Parks classes and programs in these facilities are running on schedule: Cabin John Ice, South Germantown Splash Park and Miniature Golf, and the Tennis and More and Week in the Park summer camps at Wheaton Regional Park.
* Crews are working to restore power to all Parks facilities affected by the outages. To find out if a facility is open, Parks patrons should call the facility in advance to confirm operating hours. Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for a facility directory and updated information.
Montgomery College:
* Montgomery College Rockville campus will be closed today. Takoma Park and Germantown campuses will be open.
Other County Facilities:
* The Friendship Heights TRiPS Commuter Store located at 17 Friendship Circle is closed today.
Montgomery County’s Permitting Services will be closed to the public.
* The Occupational Medical Service unit is closed and all appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Report Power Outages and Downed Trees:
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, , Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
* To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 9-1-1.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1 from within Montgomery County or if Montgomery County residents are outside the County, call 240-777-0311.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.
Libraries:
* The following libraries scheduled to open at 10 a.m. have no power or phone service and will not open as scheduled: Kensington Park, Little Falls, Long Branch and Wheaton.
* The following libraries will open at 10 a.m. as scheduled: Bethesda, Germantown, Quince Orchard, Rockville Memorial and Twinbrook.
Shelters:
* Two additional shelters have opened at Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville and Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown. The shelter at the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring remains open.
* Individuals planning to go to a shelter should bring all medications and personal supplies with them.
* Pets are not permitted at shelters except for service animals. Residents are urged not to leave their pets alone at home. Instead, call Montgomery County Animal Services at 240-773-5900 to make arrangements for pet care.
Recreation Centers:
* All Montgomery County Recreation facilities are closed today except for the Upper County Neighborhood, Germantown, East County Neighborhood and Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Centers and the Germantown Indoor and Olney Swim Centers.
* All other Recreation sites are closed, including the main administrative office.
* All summer camps, summer fun centers and Recreation summer classes are cancelled for today.
Parks:
* The following Montgomery Parks facilities are open and Parks classes and programs in these facilities are running on schedule: Cabin John Ice, South Germantown Splash Park and Miniature Golf, and the Tennis and More and Week in the Park summer camps at Wheaton Regional Park.
* Crews are working to restore power to all Parks facilities affected by the outages. To find out if a facility is open, Parks patrons should call the facility in advance to confirm operating hours. Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for a facility directory and updated information.
Montgomery College:
* Montgomery College Rockville campus will be closed today. Takoma Park and Germantown campuses will be open.
Other County Facilities:
* The Friendship Heights TRiPS Commuter Store located at 17 Friendship Circle is closed today.
Montgomery County’s Permitting Services will be closed to the public.
* The Occupational Medical Service unit is closed and all appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Report Power Outages and Downed Trees:
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, , Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
* To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 9-1-1.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1 from within Montgomery County or if Montgomery County residents are outside the County, call 240-777-0311.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.
Pepco Update
The following is un apdate from Pepco:
Sunday’s storm inflicted significant damage to Pepco’s electric system, causing widespread outages across our service territory. At 11:00 am approximately 227,000 customers were without power – with 176,000 in Montgomery County.
Power has been restored to more than 75,000 customers/
A power supply to WSSC Potomac Plant has been restored as well as service to Shady Grove Hospital.
Once customers are restored they may experience brief outages as the crews continue to make repairs on other sections of the circuit.
Crews will be working 24/7 until all customers’ power is restored.
When our system is damaged by severe weather, Pepco repairs equipment using a system of priorities that has been developed, taking into account public safety, community needs and the nature of the electric system.
Our restoration process is as follows:
Customers Should Call 1-877-Pepco-62 (1-877-737-2662) To Report An Outage And/Or To Report Downed Electric Wires.
COOLING CENTERS – Montgomery County
Sunday’s storm inflicted significant damage to Pepco’s electric system, causing widespread outages across our service territory. At 11:00 am approximately 227,000 customers were without power – with 176,000 in Montgomery County.
Power has been restored to more than 75,000 customers/
A power supply to WSSC Potomac Plant has been restored as well as service to Shady Grove Hospital.
Once customers are restored they may experience brief outages as the crews continue to make repairs on other sections of the circuit.
Crews will be working 24/7 until all customers’ power is restored.
When our system is damaged by severe weather, Pepco repairs equipment using a system of priorities that has been developed, taking into account public safety, community needs and the nature of the electric system.
Our restoration process is as follows:
- Life Threatening emergencies / Assist Fire/Police
- Transmission & Sub-Transmission Events - Typically restores several thousands of customers.
- Distribution Feeder Lockouts - Typically restores 800-2,000 each.
- Vicinity & Grouped Outages - Typically restores several dozen to a hundred customers.
- Individual Outages - One or two restorations each.
Customers Should Call 1-877-Pepco-62 (1-877-737-2662) To Report An Outage And/Or To Report Downed Electric Wires.
COOLING CENTERS – Montgomery County
- East County Recreation Center 3310 Gateshead Manor Way Silver Spring, MD 20904 Open 24/7 until no longer required
- Special Needs Cooling Center opening at 10 AM today Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville, MD 20852 - 301 610 8000
- Stay away from downed power lines
- Call 1-877-PEPCO62 to report downed wires
- Stay away from standing water and wet areas
- Keep children and pets inside
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