High winds or storms that topple utility poles or even just cause trees to make contact with power lines can cause power outages. It’s important to stay clear of downed power lines at all times, even during cleanup efforts. Always be alert to the possibility that tree limbs or debris may hide an electrical hazard. Thankfully, storm damage and lengthy outages are not the norm but being prepared is key to public safety.
Be Storm Ready:
• Follow National Weather Service for the area and stay in tune with local news media on weather alerts, watches and warnings.
• Have a storm kit ready that includes flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food, battery-operated radio, batteries, portable cell phone chargers that are fully charged, hand sanitizer, first-aid supplies and pet supplies.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating or accessing medicines and using power-dependent medical devices.
• Update your account phone contact information with CWLP Customer Service at 217-789-2030 in order to be able to check your property’s outage status on the utility’s Outage Map,
https://outagemap.cwlp.com/ • Find out where your local storm shelters are and have a plan for getting there if needed and it is safe to do so. Follow local media and City of Springfield for information on available resources,
https://springfield.il.us/Resources.aspx.
During a Power Outage:
• Use CWLP’s Outage Map,
https://outagemap.cwlp.com/ to track status and use ‘Check My Outage Status’ feature. You can input the phone number associated with your account and street number. Verify outage and see if crew assigned or if an outage restoration estimate is available.
• Call CWLP Dispatch at 217-789-2121 for unreported power outages or to report electric system damage locations such as wires down, broken poles or damaged transformers. During very widespread outages, Electric Dispatch may have high call volume. You might have difficulty having your call quickly answered by either a live dispatcher or the automated system. If this should happen to you, please leave a message in the voicemail prompt and know we are doing our very best to respond to all calls and we need to hear from you.
• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed to preserve food.
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows and doors; do not use them in a garage.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics without surge protection to avoid damage from electrical surges when power is restored.
• If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
• If weather conditions allow, check on neighbors. This is especially important since cell phone and internet communications may be disrupted and they may be unable to call for help.
Reporting an Outage:
Reporting outages, power lines down and other electric trouble is best by calling Electric Dispatch at 217-789-2121. Our Outage Management System in tandem with the caller ID system populates our Outage Maps and help staff pinpoint the trouble and coordinate response to get the lights back on as quickly and safely as possible. During major outages and when call volume is high, we do post information and updates as available on our Website, Facebook and Twitter pages along with the outage map.
Use the Check My Outage Status feature at
https://outagemap.cwlp.com/ . Input the phone number associated with account and street number of your service address. You can verify Dispatch is aware of your outage.
Power Line Safety:
Accidents, severe storms, and other disasters can cause power lines to come down. With one wrong move before, during, or after a disaster, a life can be lost. Know the right steps to take to keep you and your family safe:
• If you see downed power lines, or other damaged electrical equipment, notify CWLP Dispatch at 217-789-2121 or call 911 as soon as possible because the lines could still be live.
• Just because power lines are damaged does not mean they are dead. Stay away, and instruct others to do the same. Power lines do not have to be arcing or sparking to be live and dangerous. Any power line that is dead could become energized at any moment due to power restoration work or backup generators coming online.
• If you are driving and come along a downed power line, stay away and warn others to stay away. Contact emergency personal or your utility company to address the downed power line.
• If power lines should fall on your vehicle while you are driving, do not attempt to drive away or get out. Call for help but don't allow others to approach your vehicle as power lines could be live. Stay inside until utility crews say it is safe to get out. The only exception would be if fire or other danger, like the smell of gasoline, is present. In that case, the proper action is to jump—not step—with both feet hitting the ground at the same time. Jump clear. Do not allow any part of your body to touch the vehicle and ground at the same time. Hop to safety, keeping both feet together as you leave the area.
After A Storm:
Storm debris can hide dangers such as downed power lines. Use caution in any cleanup effort. Any downed wires should be considered energized and potentially dangerous. Stay away, warn others to stay away and call the utility.
• Do not use electric yard tools to clean up after a storm if it is raining or the ground is wet.
• Downed power lines, stray wires, and debris in contact with them all have the potential to deliver a fatal shock. Be alert during clean-up efforts—look up before lifting equipment to be sure hazards or live lines aren’t above. Keep a 10 ft clearance.
• Never step into a flooded basement since water could be covering electrical outlets or appliances that are plugged in.
• Do not attempt to shut power off at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so. Stay out of flooded rooms and basements until you are assured the power has been cut off.
• Electric motors can be damaged when wet and should not be used after a storm until checked by a professional. Have damaged appliances repaired or replaced.
• Only use generators outdoors. Connect lights and appliances to the generator using extension cords. Do not connect directly to the home circuitry unless there is a transfer safety switch to isolate the power. Without that safety feature, electricity could backfeed into the power grid, creating danger for anyone near lines, particularly utility crews working to restore power.
For more information about electrical safety and storm preparation, go to CWLP’s partner
safeelectricity.org.
