With forecasts for the longest stretch of consecutive days in the upper 90s since 2012 this week, ComEd is increasing crew staffing, proactively opening its Emergency Operations Center and readying equipment to respond quickly if power outages occur.
While ComEd’s smart grid improvements have resulted in improved reliability for customers year-round, including during extreme weather the company.urges customers to contact the company immediately if they experience a power outage. Customers can text OUT to 26633 (COMED) to report an outage and receive restoration information, and can follow the company on Twitter @ComEd or on Facebook at Facebook.com/ComEd. Customers can also call 1-800 EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661), or report outages via the website at www.ComEd.com/report. Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237).
ComEd encourages customers to take the following precautions:
- If a downed power line is spotted, immediately call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661). Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237).
- Never approach a downed power line. Always assume a power line is energized and extremely dangerous.
- In the event of an outage, do not approach ComEd crews working to restore power to ask about restoration times. Crews may be working on live electrical equipment and the perimeter of the work zone may be hazardous.
Higher temperatures also can lead to higher energy bills. Customers can save energy and money on hot days by following a few simple tips:
- Turn it off:Turn off all unnecessary lighting and devices.
- Manage your thermostat: Set your thermostat at as high a temperature as comfortably possible and ensure humidity control if needed. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting thermostats to 78°F when you are home and need cooling. Install a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjustyour home’s temperature settings when you’re away or sleeping.
- Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed:Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Simply closing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat gain from the sun in your home.
- Use ceiling fans to circulate air:For those without air conditioning, use ceiling fans or portable fans with the windows partially open to circulate fresh air into your home and create a breeze to help cool you off. For those with air conditioning, fans can be used to evenly distribute cool air and can make a room feel 4°F cooler. Remember though that fans cool people, not rooms. Therefore, fans should be turned off in vacant rooms.
- Use appliances wisely:Run appliances that produce heat (like clothes dryers, ovens and dishwashers) at night when it is cooler.
ComEd reminds customers, especially those who may be more vulnerable to extended periods of heat, of the American Red Cross tips for staying safe during summer heat. If you don’t have access to air conditioning, seek relief from the heat in places like schools, libraries, theaters and malls. Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning or who spend much of their time alone.
Also, be familiar with the warning signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fainting and breathing problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek help immediately.