Significant tree damage occurred throughout Oak Lawn after a wall of 73mph winds blasted through the village. This photo was taken west of Cicero between 95th and 99th Streets.
(AJ Roccaforte | Patch Contributor)
OAK LAWN, IL—Oak Lawn Village Manager Tom Phelan has issued some helpful tips for residents experiencing power outages and tree damage after a wall of wind slugged the Chicago metro area, leaving 500,000 ComEd customers without power.
Another round of storms even more severe than Wednesday, is expected later this afternoon. Meanwhile, be nice to the ComEd workers. They’re working hard and playing a high-voltage game of whack-a-mole.
Storm Clean-up by Village Public Works Department Several Public Works crews will be patrolling the village over the next few days to remove storm debris. Here is how you can help:
Move large branches to the parkway between the sidewalk and street, making an effort to not block the street
Place small branches and natural debris in your yard waste cans for weekly pick-up
Sweep up small debris (leaves, twigs) lying in the street and place it in yard waste cans for weekly pick-up — this IMPORTANT step helps prevent our sewers from getting blocked up, which reduces flooding
Text the word OUT to 26633 (ComEd) and get updates until your power is restored.
ComEd Priorities for Restoring Power Outages ComEd has a PRIORITY list when it comes to outages:
Repairing high-voltage transmission lines and substations that affect large numbers of customers.
Public health and safety facilities like hospitals, police and fire stations, water reclamation plants, and communication systems.
Equipment that will return service to the largest number of customers in the least amount of time. These include major feeder trunk lines, high-density housing projects, and large neighborhoods.
Finally, smaller neighborhoods and individual services.
Receive ComEd Outage Alerts on Your Mobile Phone
ComEd has instituted a two-way text messaging capability that allows customers to text their outage to ComEd and enables ComEd to respond via text with restoration information. The expanded outage alert text message program will provide added convenience for customers and help improve their experience. The new program enhancements:
Allow customers to text the company to report an outage,
Offer real-time information on outages, and
Allow customers to text ComEd to opt into the program.
To report an outage, customers can text OUT to 26633 (COMED)
Public safety is paramount during storms, and ComEd encourages the public to remember to take the following precautions:
Anyone encountering a downed power line is urged to immediately call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661) and report the location. Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237).
Never approach a downed power line. Always presume a power line is energized and extremely dangerous.
Check on elderly and other sensitive family members and neighbors to ensure their safety and make alternate arrangements, as it may be some time before their power is restored.
ComEd also offers the following suggestions for customers experiencing a prolonged outage:
Turn off all appliances, including your furnace, water heater, and water pump.
Leave a lamp on so you can know when power has been restored.
Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed and open them only when necessary. Food can stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer if the door remains closed. A half-full freezer can generally keep food frozen for 24 hours.
Customers who are on medical support equipment are strongly encouraged to evacuate to a place where they can be comfortable.