NOTE:  The Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center (EOC) can be reached by calling (304) 848-6141.  

 

Storm effects will be picking up in the evening hours with sustained winds up to 20 MPH and gusts up to 50 MPH.  This in combination with the forecasted snow will increase the probability of power outages in Bridgeport.  Officials with First Energy/Mon Power offered the following advice:

 

- If you have a water well and pump, keep an emergency supply of bottled waterand consider filling your bathtub with fresh water.

- If customers have not received a call from FirstEnergy in the past 48 hoursregarding their life support equipment, they should call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877). Those who call and are not registered will receive a form that must be completed by their doctor. 

- Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy. Use care when burning candles; openflames are a fire hazard.

- If power goes out, unplug appliances like refrigerators and freezers, and sensitiveelectronic equipment like TVs and computers, so that they won't overload when power is restored.

- Gather extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person. Portable heaters andburning candles that are left unattended, especially around children and pets, can create a fire hazard. In addition, gasoline- or diesel-powered generators and appliances can produce deadly levels of carbon monoxide and should never be operated inside the home or garage.

- Stock an emergency supply of convenience foods that do not require cooking.

- Keep a battery-powered radio with extra batteries on hand. Tune in to a localradio station for current storm information.

- Have a hard-wired telephone or a charged cell phone handy in the event you needto report your electricity is out. Mobile phones can be charged in your vehicle using a car charger when power is out. A smart phone can be used to access online information sources.

- Please call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report outages immediately, orreport them online by clicking "report outage" on our website. FirstEnergy customer call centers will be fully staffed. The more people who call, the faster we can pinpoint the location where crews must be sent for repairs.

- Immediately report downed wires to 888-544-4877 or your local police or firedepartment. Never go near a downed power line, even if you think it's no longer carrying electricity. Stay more than 30 feet away from downed power lines, don't walk or drive near or over a downed line, and watch out for anything touching the line. If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay inside until help arrives.

- Keep children and pets away from any wires.

- When operating a generator, always disconnect the power coming into yourhome. Otherwise, power from your generator could be sent back onto the utility lines, creating a hazardous situation for utility workers. The proper generator should be selected and installed by a qualified electrician.

- Stay out of flooded basements, even if the power is off. Stay away from thebreaker box if it's in a flooded basement.

For updated information on the company's storm preparation efforts, currentoutages, FirstEnergy's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, visit the 24/7 online Power Center.  Mon Power will also provide updates via Twitter.

 

The Bridgeport Fire/EMS Department would like to encourage our functional needs residents on steps to take to prepare for emergencies:    

 

If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need on hand to make it on your own for at least a week and keep a copy of your prescriptions as well as dosage or treatment information. If it is not possible to have a week-long supply of medicines and supplies, keep as much as possible on hand and talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you should do to prepare. If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers within your area and other areas you might evacuate to.

·         Oxygen patients need to make sure they have enough portable oxygen tanks in case electric goes off.

·         Make sure prescription medications are filled.

·         If you have medication that needs kept in a refrigerator and electric goes off you can set your medication outside, be sure to keep it from freezing.

·         If you have to evacuate, take your medications with you.

·         Make a list of your medications and the daily dosage.

 

Bridgeport residents that have medical emergencies are to call 9-1-1.  If they have questions or concerns regarding what to do during the storm/power outage periods, they can call the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 304-848-6141.