CHICAGO, Dec. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- ComEd crews have been battling tough conditions today to restore power in the wake of a severe ice storm that hit the utility's service territory overnight.
Due to the extent of damage and widespread nature of power problems from the ice storm in ComEd's Northwest territory, customers are advised that extended outages are likely to occur. In addition, high winds are forecast from 7 p.m. this evening through 1 p.m. tomorrow, which could further impact electrical service.
A total of 182 crews continue to work around the clock to restore the nearly 21,000 customers who remained without electric service as of 4:30 p.m. Thursday. Crews were deployed to repair downed power lines and other equipment to ensure customers were restored as quickly as possible.
The majority of customers were in the Rockford area, where 10,600 remain without electric service. In anticipation of prolonged outages, Rockford city officials coordinated assistance to provide access to warming centers for residents. These centers include the Winnebago County Justice Center at 650 W. State Street and the Rockford Rescue Mission at 715 W. State Street, which are open 24 hours-a-day.
Ice storms have a particularly significant impact on the electrical system, as ice buildup, gusty winds, and fallen tree limbs may cause power lines to fall.
ComEd warns customers to keep in mind that downed power lines may be live and dangerous. Customers should stay away from downed lines and report them to the company immediately.
"ComEd recognizes the inconveniences our customers are experiencing as a result of the loss of electrical service," said ComEd President Anne Pramaggiore. "Our crews are doing everything they can to restore electrical service to these customers as quickly and safely as possible."
ComEd urges anyone who experiences problems with electric service to call the utility immediately at 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661) to report the outage. 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 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: -- Flashlights and fresh batteries -- Blankets -- A battery-powered radio -- A battery-powered or wind-up clock -- A three-day supply of bottled water equal to one gallon of water per day per person -- Canned and high-energy foods like dried fruit or candy -- A fully charged cellular phone -- Emergency telephone numbers Public safety is paramount. Customers are reminded: -- Anyone seeing a downed power line is urged to immediately call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON-1 (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:
-- Never operate a portable generator in the basement or garage. The carbon monoxide produced by the engine is deadly. -- 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.
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.
ComEd
CONTACT: ComEd Media Relations, +1-312-394-3500
Web Site: http://www.exeloncorp.com/
