Many Still Without Electricity

On it’s home page, PPL Electric Utilities says that it had technical difficulties with its power outage reporting systems beginning Sunday, which may have prevented some customers from reporting their loss of electricity.

If you do have an outage that has not been reported, PPL asks that you report outages online or by calling 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775). “Calls from customers help us determine the scope of outages and better direct crews to where the problems exist,” the Web site says.

The utility company asks those who have already reported the electricity loss not call again for an update to keep the lines clear for customers who have not been able to get through.

The power company is currently reporting that more than 20,000 customers in the Lehigh Valley are still without electricity. Of those, 1,160 are in Bethlehem and another 70 are in Bethlehem Township.

In the meantime, PPL offers the following tips for staying safe while the power is out:

• Never run a generator in your home, basement, or other indoor space where exhaust fumes may accumulate.
• Stay clear of downed power lines.
• Stay clear of electrical equipment where there is standing water, such as a flooded basement.
• Turn off electric ovens, ranges or space heaters that may have been in use when the outage occurred.
• Unplug sensitive home electronics that can suffer damage when power is restored.
• Avoid candles and use flashlights instead. Candles can cause a fire if tipped by animals or people, or if they come in contact with a combustible item.