Flood/Storm Updates

Power Outages Prompt Warning/Suggestions

West Chicago, Illinois: August 24, 2007 - Yesterday afternoon, a series of destructive thunderstorms hit the ComEd service territory, downing power lines and severely damaging equipment. According to ComEd, as of noon on Friday, crews had already restored service to 345,000 customers, and were working to restore another 232,000 that remain without power. Even with 480 crews in the field, working 16-hour shifts, as well as 230 crews coming in from other utilities, damage to the system is so severe many customers are likely to be out of service for multiple days.

Before power can be restored, ComEd must clear trees from wires, replace poles and transformers and string miles of wire.  Downed trees, flooding and traffic problems also are impeding crews’ access to equipment.

ComEd has released a statement to officials at the City of West Chicago asking for assistance in communicating the risks posed by downed power lines to the public.  Members of the public should be reminded that if they come across downed power lines they should not approach these wires, but instead assume them to be energized and potentially very dangerous. They ask anyone who sees a downed power line to keep their distance and immediately report the situation to ComEd at 1-800-EDISON-1.

Because of the prolonged nature of these outages, they also wish to remind families to check on the elderly and other sensitive customers to ensure they are aware that their service will not be restored immediately, and in the interest of their health, urge these customers to seek other more comfortable arrangements for the duration of the outage.

Additional suggestions for customers experiencing a prolonged outage follow:

• Turn off all appliances including the furnace, water heater, and water pump.
• Leave a lamp on so you can know when power has been restored.
• Keep the freezer and refrigerator doors closed and open them only when necessary.

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