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FirstEnergy Ohio Electric Companies Ready for Severe Weather

In anticipation of severe weather conditions predicted to sweep through Ohio, FirstEnergy's electric companies, including Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison, and The Illuminating Company, have begun preparations to tackle possible power outages. With forecasts indicating strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the risk of tornadoes, the utility companies are on high alert, ready to mobilize resources to restore power to affected areas swiftly.

Monitoring Severe Weather Conditions

Beginning Wednesday evening, severe weather may disrupt power across the state of Ohio. FirstEnergy is continuously monitoring the developing weather system and is prepared to respond effectively if outages occur. Torrence Hinton, the President of FirstEnergy Ohio, expressed the company's commitment to ensuring reliability during such events, stating, "We are closely tracking this developing weather system and are prepared to respond if outages occur."

This warning comes on the heels of three significant storms in just two weeks, demonstrating the need for a proactive approach to utility management. The storm could lead to fallen trees and downed power lines as hazardous weather conditions prevail. FirstEnergy has organized various crews that include line workers, forestry personnel, and damage assessment teams, with over 1,000 external line workers ready to assist if the situation escalates.

Commitment to Safety

FirstEnergy emphasizes ongoing safety measures as vital to maintaining a reliable electric system, particularly during extreme weather events. Their proactive strategies include routine tree trimming to prevent vegetation from interfering with power lines, significant investments in system upgrades to strengthen their infrastructure, and regular aerial inspections to identify potential issues before they lead to widespread outages.

In addition to their internal preparations, FirstEnergy is advising customers to take safety precautions as the weather worsens. Recommendations include:

• - Stay Safe: Keep a safe distance of at least 30 feet from any downed power lines and report them to 911 immediately.
• - Secure Outdoor Items: Items prone to being blown away, such as patio furniture and trash bins, should be secured to prevent interference with power lines.
• - Prepare Emergency Supplies: Ensure mobile devices are charged, gather flashlights with fresh batteries, and have a battery-operated radio available. Customers should stock up on water and non-perishable food ahead of the storm.

Outage Reporting and Preparedness

In the unfortunate event of an outage, FirstEnergy provides customers with several convenient ways to report issues. You can:

• - Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)
• - Text REG to LIGHTS (544487) to sign up for outage alerts and then text OUT to report an outage.
• - Visit the