Community Corner

ComEd Offers Safety Tips During 'Multi-Day Restoration Effort'

Tips for storm safety, what to do during prolonged outages and if your basement floods.

Monday's severe storms and high winds hit ComEd's service area, knocking out power to more than 382,000 customers in Chicagoland, including residents of Plainfield, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Joliet, Oswego and other area towns.

ComEd on Tuesday said it expects a "multi-day restoration effort" to bring power back to all customers. The company attributed damage to power lines and widespread outages to sustained winds with gusts in excess of 75 mph, as well as tree damage, toppled wires and downed power lines.


According to ComEd, 758 crews were deployed Tuesday to handle restoration efforts.

"Our crews are working around the clock to restore power to our customers as quickly and safely as possible and will continue to do so until all our customers are restored," ComEd said in a press release.

To keep the public safe during storms, ComEd reminds residents to take the following precautions:
  • If you encounter a downed power line, immediately call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661) or access our website at ComEd.com and report the location. Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237). Customers also can visit Twitter for restoration updates.
  • Never approach a downed power line. Always assume 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 suggestions for customers experiencing a prolonged power 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 will stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer, if the door remains closed. A half-full freezer will 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 and safe.
For those with flooded basements:
  •  Customers should call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661) to disconnect power before entering a flooded basement.
  • Never wade into a flooded basement unless all electricity has been disconnected (such as power that supplies sump pumps, freezers, etc.). Water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances or cords.
  • If you are experiencing a power outage, do not wade into a flooded basement. Power may be restored while you are in the flooded basement and the motors on appliances may be submerged.
  • Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so.

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