Every household in Anne Arundel County should be prepared to survive up to three days without power. This can be done by:
- Ensuring your household has one gallon of water per person, per day, for three days. Make sure to include enough water for pets
- A supply of flashlights and extra batteries will become essential when power is down. Fire officials strongly discourage the use of candles during power outages due to the heightened risk of fires
- Portable generators are helpful, but can be dangerous if not used correctly. Always place generators at least 15 feet outside of doors and windows to allow carbon monoxide gases to vent properly
- Do not use propane or gas heaters indoors as both are a fire and asphyxiation hazard
- Turn refrigerator and freezer to maximum cold settings if you expect an extended outage. Keep doors closed as much as possible
- Food in a full refrigerator will keep for up to four hours
- Food in a full freezer will keep for up to two days
- Families who have power-dependent health needs should have an emergency plan at all times
- Consider a backup place to stay if your power is out for an extended period of time
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency provides power outage reports throughout Maryland that are updated every 15-30 minutes via utility websites.
To contact BGE, which provides power to most of Central Maryland, visit www.bge.com, or call to report outages at 877-778-2222. If you see sparking power lines, immediately call 9-1-1. For other downed lines call 800-685-0123 or 410-685-0123 (TTY 800-735-2258).
For additional power outage safety information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.