Delmarva Power joined area emergency services officials in urging the public to be prepared to cope with the problems associated with severe weather that could occur over the next several months. The officials made their remarks during a news conference at the Public Safety Building in Ocean City, Md. Meteorologists are predicting an above-normal hurricane season with up to 18 named storms, with six to 10 becoming hurricanes and three to six turning into major hurricanes. Hurricane season runs through November 30.

Delmarva Power employees participate in emergency drills in order to be prepared for the possibility of storm-related power outages. The company maintains supplies of essential equipment, such as poles, wires and transformers, and stays in contact with area utilities to arrange mutual assistance in case of a natural disaster.

At the same time, Delmarva Power suggests that customers assemble an emergency kit that can be used at home, and if necessary, taken with them if they are ordered to evacuate. Every kit should include a flashlight, battery-powered clock and radio, extra batteries, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, bottled water and a list of important phone numbers. All items can be placed into a large cooler. The cooler will keep supplies organized and is easy to grab if a person has to leave home quickly.

Delmarva Power provides a Weathering the Storm brochure that can be downloaded from its website www.delmarva.com or you can call Customer Care at 800-375-7117 to request a copy via mail.