Oak Lawn Assesses Damage After Monday's Storm

Approximately 1,300 homes and businesses were still without power in Oak Lawn as of Tuesday afternoon, severe thunderstorms and wind ripped through the village on Monday evening, causing the village to sound the tornado sirens.

OLPD Commander Art Clark, coordinator of Oak Lawn’s emergency management agency, said the village is working diligently with ComEd to restore power. The weather forecast for Tuesday evening is 63 degrees with a 30-percent chance of rain on Wednesday.

CHECK OUT OUR READER STORM PHOTO GALLERY

Residents are asked to check their sump pumps. If you have power lines or trees down on your private property, please direct calls to ComEd and utility crews will assist you on that matter.

Also, please check your elderly or disabled family members and neighbors, as well as their property for down power lines and tree branches.

ComEd Information Info and Safety Tips:

ComEd offers these safety tips during power outages and storms:

• If you encounter a downed power line, immediately call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661) or access our website at ComEd.com and report the location. Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237). Customers also can visit Twitter for restoration updates.
• Never approach a downed power line. Always assume 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.

• 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.

•  Customers should call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661) to disconnect power before entering a flooded basement.
• Never wade into a flooded basement unless all electricity has been disconnected (such as power that supplies sump pumps, freezers, etc.). Water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances or cords.
• If you are experiencing a power outage, do not wade into a flooded basement. Power may be restored while you are in the flooded basement and the motors on appliances may be submerged.
• Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so.

• Customers can text to 26633 (ComEd) to report their outage and receive restoration information.

Village cooling center locations

Oak Lawn Public Library

9427 Raymond Avenue.

Monday through Thursday, 9am-9pm

Friday and Saturday, 9am-5pm

Sunday,  1pm-5pm

Oak Lawn Senior Center

(Southside Baptist School)

5220 W. 105th Street

Monday through Friday, 8:30am- 4:30pm

Oak Lawn Park District Pavilion

9401 Oak Park Avenue

Monday - Thursday, 6am-11pm

Friday 6am-10pm

Saturday and Sunday, 7am-10pm

Oak Lawn Racquet and Fitness Club

10444 South Central Ave.

Monday and Wednesday, 6am-11pm

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 6am-10pm

Saturday, 7am-9pm

Sunday, 7am-8pm