What To Know About Storm Cleanup In Oak Lawn

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.

Reporting Downed Trees/Branches

If you have downed trees or large branches on/near your property, please follow this protocol:

1. Dangerous Conditions (e.g., resting on power lines): Call 9-1-1
2. Hazardous Conditions (e.g., blocking a street or sidewalk): Call non-emergency number 708-499-7721
3. Non-emergency clean-up: Email "pwsupervisors@oaklawn-il.gov"

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:

1. Move large branches to the parkway between the sidewalk and street, making an effort to not block the street
2. Place small branches and natural debris in your yard waste cans for weekly pick-up
3. 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

Reporting Power Outages

1. Call: 1-800-334-7661.
2. Online: Report an outage online using ComEd's website at https://www.comed.com/Outages/ReportanOutage/Pages/default.aspx.
3. 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:

1. Repairing high-voltage transmission lines and substations that affect large numbers of customers.
2. Public health and safety facilities like hospitals, police and fire stations, water reclamation plants, and communication systems.
3. 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.
4. 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)
• Sign up at: ComEd Customer Service Outages.

ComEd Public Safety Awareness

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.

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