Nov. 27, 2018: ComEd Update
This afternoon, Mayor Nancy Rotering and City Manager Ghida Neukirch met with ComEd External Affairs representatives to discuss ComEd's response and communications related to the extensive power outages which have impacted the City and the region following a major winter storm on Sunday, November 25. During the meeting, Mayor Rotering and City Manager Neukirch emphasized that the lack of estimated restoration times, the lack of website updates, and the ComEd smart phone app failures were problematic and unacceptable, and stressed the importance of timely communications with customers. ComEd representatives reported that the winter storm caused 350,000 customers to lose power.
According to ComEd, as of Tuesday afternoon, 123 ComEd customers remain without power in the City and 22,143 customers remain without power in the region. ComEd expects that a majority of customers will have power restored by Wednesday, with some pockets that experienced the greatest damage and single customer outages possibly taking longer. ComEd expects that all customers across the region will be restored by Thursday night. The City is pressing ComEd to restore all Highland Park customers as soon as possible.
ComEd crews have been working around the clock throughout the region to restore electricity. Given the extensive outages, over 800 additional line workers from across the country arrived this morning to assist with restoration efforts throughout the ComEd territory. ComEd crews, with the assistance of additional crews from Kentucky, are working in the City to restore power to residents as quickly as possible.
Please continue to report power outages to ComEd by calling 1.800.edison1 or online at www.ComEd.com. ComEd is continuing to provide updates to their online outage map.
If there is an immediate danger due to a downed power line, please call 911.
City Volunteers Conduct Well-Being Checks at Properties without Power
Vol
unteer members of the City's Community Emergency Response Team ("CERT") conducted well-being checks at properties which remain without electricity and distributed flyers with pertinent information regarding warming centers, preventing freezing pipes, portable generator safety, and contact information for the City and ComEd.
unteer members of the City's Community Emergency Response Team ("CERT") conducted well-being checks at properties which remain without electricity and distributed flyers with pertinent information regarding warming centers, preventing freezing pipes, portable generator safety, and contact information for the City and ComEd. The City encourages residents to please check on your neighbors to ensure their well-being. Should you be concerned about the well-being of a neighbor, the Police Department can conduct well-being checks, especially for the elderly. To request a well-being check, contact the Police Department Non-Emergency Number at 847.432.7730.
Alternative Overnight Accommodations Encouraged for Residents without Power
Tonight's weather forecast calls for a low temperature of 14 °F. Residents currently without power are encouraged to seek alternative overnight accommodations for this evening. The Police Department has increased patrols for neighborhoods which remain without power to ensure public safety. Residents without power are also encouraged to run a small trickle of water on all water fixtures in your home to prevent freezing pipes. Please also ensure that any portable generators are used outdoors only due to carbon monoxide emissions. Never run a portable generator indoors.
Warming Centers
The following locations serve as public warming centers within the City:
Highland Park Police Department, 1677 Old Deerfield Road, is open to residents as a warming center 24 hours per day. Cots have been setup at the Police Department for anyone seeking relief from the cold weather. Pets may be brought to the Police Department but must be crated.
Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Avenue West, is open to residents as a warming center during the following hours:
Wednesday and Thursday - 5:00 AM through 9:45 PM
Friday - 5:00 AM through 7:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday - 6:30 AM through 7:30 PM
Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Avenue, is open to residents as a warming center during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday - 9:00 AM through 9:00 PM
Friday - 9:00 AM through 6:00 PM
Saturday - 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM
Sunday - 1:00 PM through 5:00 PM
Highland Park City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue, is open to residents as a warming center 8:00 AM through 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
Refuse and Recycling Services Delayed by One Day Throughout the Week
Refuse and recycling pick up resumed today, Tuesday, November 27. Residents with regular service on Tuesday will be picked up tomorrow, Wednesday, November 28. Service will be delayed by one day throughout the week of November 26.
Sidewalk Plowing
Sidewalk plowing crews are actively working throughout the City to clear sidewalks. It takes approximately 48 hours to clear over 120 miles of residential sidewalks in the City. Your patience is appreciated as crews work as quickly as possible to clear sidewalks.
Damage to Property from Snow Removal Operations
Snow plowing is performed under difficult weather and traffic conditions. Occasionally, areas adjacent to a street can be damaged without the knowledge of plow operator. Any hardscape or streetscape items within right-of-way remain the homeowner's responsibility. Lawns damaged unintentionally by a City plow truck will be repaired the following spring, upon receiving notification by the homeowner. If a mailbox was damaged by City plow equipment, please call Public Works at 847.432.0807 within 48 hours of damage.
To Report a Public Works Concern
To report a Public Works concern during non-business hours, please contact Highland Park Police Non-Emergency at 847.432.7730. In an emergency, please dial 911.
Sign Up for eNews to Stay Informed
Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for the City's eNews to receive important information and updates from the City. Please also continue to check the City's website at www.cityhpil.com for updates.More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Posted November 27, 2018 at 5:31 PM.
Posted November 27, 2018 at 5:31 PM.