Winter Readiness: Keeping your home safe and cozy

DELMARVA – As winter is fast approaching, Delmarva Power has some tips for you to best prepare for the colder months ahead.

“We work all year long, however, the company worked so hard on the system increasing our reliability by performing maintenance and inspections especially ahead of severe weather and when we know when the winter months are approaching,” said Candice Womer with Delmarva Power.

Delmarva Power is gearing up its systems across the shore to ensure everyone has a cozy home throughout the colder days. “Inspecting over 1,000 miles of overhead power lines will upgrade our energy equipment will trim trees and we’ve installed new underground equipment which keeps our system stronger,” said Womer.

In case of any severe weather, the power company urges you to keep your own emergency safety supplies ready. “Anything that has battery-powered backups, medication, things that are ready to go, if you were ready to lose power, we suggest you have a supply of bottled water or non-perishable foods easy to prepare available,” Womer emphasized.

Candice Womer with Delmarva Power says you should also be prepared for outside emergencies. “Downed wire, please stay away from that. Always assume that it is live and just call us right away to ensure that we can get the proper personnel out there to make sure we have a safe and quick response,” said Womer.

Officials also say during the colder months, you’re more likely to use more power meaning a higher bill, but Shore Up has been helping out with energy assistance as need increases. “We have processed 4300 applications and we will probably process over 8000 by the end of the season,” said Keith White with Shore Up Inc.

Though their funding is limited, Keith White with Shore Up says it doesn’t hurt to ask for help. “Don’t worry about it, come in and get the help so that the monies there,” said White.

For more information on Shore Ups energy assistance program, visit their website.