Twenty-Six Homes Still Without Power After Water Main Break

Towson, Md. (September 22, 2009) - Twenty-six Dundalk homes that suffered water damage from last Friday's massive water main break remain without electrical power and gas. Five additional homes still are without gas only.

Electrical and Plumbing Inspections

Homeowners must hire a licensed Baltimore County electrician or plumber to make the necessary repairs before electric and gas can be restored. Baltimore County electrical inspectors remain in the community, working with BGE to inspect homes that have been serviced by a licensed electrician or plumber. BGE will restore power and gas as soon as the inspector signs off on the repairs.

The contact number for the county's electrical inspections unit is 410-887-3960.

The County is expediting the electrical and plumbing inspections process for water main break victims by allowing them to make the repairs before pulling the necessary permits. Tim Kotroco, Director of Permits and Development Management, said homeowners or their contractors may pull the permit within 10 days of starting the work. In addition, the County will waive all permit fees for electrical and plumbing repairs in the affected homes.

Trash Removal

Roll-off dumpsters and dump trucks supplied by the County Department of Public Works have been at the site since Saturday and will remain throughout the week and possibly beyond.

Crews have collected 12 roll-off containers of debris (each with a capacity of 30 cubic yards), plus two dump truck loads and two trash truck loads. Highways crews have been cleaning the streets with a sweeper.

The Bureau of Utilities has pumped out and sanitized at least 50 basements.

Help From Private Businesses

A number of private companies have joined Baltimore County in helping residents recover from the disaster.  For example, Len the Plumber, a well-known Maryland plumbing firm, is donating and installing new hot water heaters for homeowners whose heaters were destroyed, 410-247-9970.

Home Depot has provided supplies for those affected by the break. Wal-Mart provided a pallet of water.

Insurance Issues

Insurance is a primary concern for many disaster victims. Residents with questions about or problems involving insurance issues should contact the Maryland Insurance Administration, 410-468-2340.