DPL Inc. : DP&L’s Tips to Stay Safe During Winter Storms

DAYTON, Ohio - January 20, 2012 - Now that the Miami Valley has had its first real blast of winter with more on the way, Dayton PowerLight (DP&L) has several winter weather precautions residents can take to be prepared.  While DP&L works all year to strengthen the electrical delivery system, Mother Nature can still cause outages.  The most damaging winter weather is freezing rainhigh winds, which can take down treespower lines.

In any emergency, safety should always be the top priority, especially when dealing with electricity. 

First, assume all fallen wires are live electrical wiresstay away from them.  Second, be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxidemake sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home.  Also, all supplemental sources of heatportable generators must have proper ventilation.  Never place a generator in the garage or near a window where fumes could enter the home.  And finally, turn off all heat producing appliances, like the stove, if you experience an outage, in case you are not home when power is restored.

Here are some additional tips that you can use to plan ahead.

What to do before an outage

Have a storm kit with an emergency radio (battery operated or wind-up), water, non-perishable food, flashlightsa first-aid kit. 

Have a plan for what you will do in the event of an extended power outage, especially if you or someone at your location relies on continuous operation of medical equipment. Visit , for assistance with emergency planning. You may also contact DP&L's Customer Service Center at 800-433-8500. We will note the medical equipment on your account; however, DP&L cannot guarantee priority restoration,you need to be prepared with a back-up plan should an outage occur.

Plan for your pets as well. Your cat or dog should be protected from cold weatherhave access to water. For outdoor pets, add straw or bedding to provide insulation. For extreme cold, bring pets inside or into a garage or outbuilding.

What to do during an outage

Report your outage by calling 877-4-OUTAGE (877-468-8243).  You will be asked for your account number or the phone number associated with your account to report your outage.

Never touch a power line.  Report fallen wires to DP&L by calling 877-4-OUTAGE (877-468-8243). If you feel the situation is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911 first.  Also, if a line is down in or near your yard, keep peoplepets away from it.  Walk your dog on a leash far from the line until the power line is repaired.

Food Safety

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodSafety Inspection Service, a refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half fullthe door remains closed). 

Generators

Never use a generator inside your home or in a garage or basement. Place it away from your home or buildingfar away from porches, windows or other areas where the exhaust could enter your home. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully along with these .

Fireplaces

             Gas wood-burning fireplaces both emit carbon monoxide. Make sure you have a functioning carbon     

             monoxide detector in your home to detect the odorless gas. Use caution when burning anything in your   

             home.

Electronics heat-producing appliances

When the power goes out, turn off all heat-producing appliances or disconnect them from a source of electricity to prevent fires when the power is restored. .

For the safety of our crewsfor your own safety, please stay away from utility crewsdo not approach their work area or their vehicles.

What to do after an outage

Restock your storm kit.  Reset your clocksother electronic equipment like your microwave. Check trees in your yard for any branches damaged by icecontact a tree trimmer to avoid future problems.

About The Dayton PowerLight CompanyDPL Inc.
The Dayton Power Light Company is the principal subsidiary of DPL Inc., a regional energy company. 

DPL's other subsidiaries include DPL Energy, LLC (DPLE)DPL Energy Resources, Inc. (DPLER), which also does business as DP&L Energy.  The Dayton Power Light Company, a regulated electric utility, provides service to over 500,000 retail customers in West Central Ohio; DPLE engages in the operation of merchant peaking generation facilities;DPLER is a competitive retail electric supplier.  DPL, through its subsidiaries, ownsoperates approximately 3,800 megawatts of generation capacity, of which 2,800 megawatts are coal-fired units 1,000 megawatts are natural gasdiesel peaking units.  Further information can be found at .  

DPL Inc. was acquired by The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) in 2011.  It is a Fortune 200 global power company with generationdistribution businesses. Through a diverse portfolio of thermalrenewable fuel sources, AES provides affordable sustainable energy to 27 countries. Its workforce of approximately 28,000 people is committed to operational excellencemeeting the world's changing power needs. AES' 2010 revenues were $16 billionit ownsmanages $41 billion in total assets. To learn more, please visit .