CHICAGO, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- In the event severe weather forecast for northern Illinois enters the ComEd service territory, the company is prepared to take measures to safeguard its electric distribution system, including:
-- Opening the company's emergency operations center and regional offices, -- Postponing scheduled work that would require equipment to be out of service, -- Scheduling extra work crews, where appropriate, to handle any problems that may occur, and; -- Putting work crews in the field to monitor the system and respond quickly to any potential problems.
Additionally, ComEd has adjusted its staffing to mobilize additional crews quickly in the event the storm produces a significant number of power outages. Call center employees, field personnel, tree-trimmers and power line patrollers have all been put on alert.
Gusty winds and fallen tree limbs may cause power lines to fall, creating a hazardous situation. Customer safety is a top priority for ComEd. The company warns customers to keep in mind that downed power lines may be live and dangerous. Customers should stay away from them and report the location of downed lines immediately.
ComEd urges anyone who experiences problems with electric service to call the utility immediately at 1-800-Edison-1 (1-800-334-7661). It is important that customers do not assume ComEd is already aware of their outage. Customers are encouraged to use the voice-automated system to report outages so that ComEd can provide periodic updates, in many cases, through an automated callback system. ComEd has several suggestions to prepare for inclement weather and the potential for power outages.
-- In the event of a lengthy winter outage, maintaining warmth is a priority. Customers should stay inside and dress with layered clothing. If using an alternate heat source, customers should follow the operating instructions and make sure there is proper ventilation. -- If possible, customers should keep these items on hand and easily accessible in the event of prolonged outages: o Flashlights and fresh batteries o Blankets o A battery-powered radio o A battery-powered or wind-up clock o A three-day supply of bottled water equal to one gallon of water per day per person o Canned and high-energy foods like dried fruit or candy o A fully charged cellular phone o Emergency telephone numbers
In addition, customers can lower their winter energy bills by applying these efficiency tips and weatherization ideas:
-- Have furnaces professionally inspected every two years. A well-maintained appliance will last longer, operate better, and save money. -- Replace the filter on heat pumps or furnaces for the new heating season. Dirty filters block airflow and force equipment to work harder -- this increases operating costs and can cause damage. -- Use a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature in the house, five degrees lower is recommended, when no one is home. -- Inspect the caulking or weather stripping around windows, doors and any openings to the outside such as dryer vents. A drafty house lets warm air escape and is much more costly to keep warm -- especially on the coldest days of the season. -- Clean or vacuum all heating vents. This allows air to flow more efficiently through the home. Also, make sure heating vents are not covered by furniture or window drapes. -- Reverse the rotation of ceiling fan blades. During the winter, blades should spin counter-clockwise so that warm air near the ceiling can be redistributed around the room. -- Inspect the insulation between heated and unheated areas to ensure insulation is at least 6 inches thick. Insulation is the single most important energy conservation measure. It will deteriorate over time and occasionally needs to be reinforced. -- If the water heater is "warm to the touch," wrap it with an insulation blanket. These blankets are inexpensive and easy to install.
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation , one of the nation's largest electric utilities with approximately 5.4 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across Northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population.
