Power Outages in Chicagoland: What to Do Before, During, and After

Power outages are a common occurrence in Chicagoland, especially during severe weather events like thunderstorms, blizzards, and high winds (we’re not called the Windy City for nothing). 

For home and business owners, preparing for an outage can make a significant difference in protecting your property, ensuring the safety of your household or employees, and minimizing costly damage. 

In this insightful guide, we’ll take a deep dive into essential steps to take before, during, and after a power outage to ensure you and the people you care about can stay as safe as possible.

Before a Power Outage: Preparation is Key

The Chicagoland region faces unique challenges when it comes to power disruptions. Our extreme temperature swings, from bitter winter cold to sweltering summer heat, make outages particularly dangerous. 

Lake-effect snow, thunderstorms, and raging winds frequently damage power infrastructure. Most concerning is that aging electrical systems in many Chicago neighborhoods increase vulnerability to equipment-related failures.

Essential Pre-Outage Moves to Make

Proper preparation starts with a well-stocked emergency kit. Every household should maintain a supply of battery-powered or hand-crank radios, fresh batteries, flashlights, and first aid necessities. 

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day, along with non-perishable food and a manual can opener. Keep essential medications, battery packs for mobile devices, a supply of cash, and important documents in a waterproof container.

For pet owners, don’t forget to prepare a separate emergency kit for your furry friends! Remember, many hotels and shelters do not accept animal guests other than certified service animals. Here are some great tips from the American Red Cross on assembling must-have supplies for your beloved pet:

• Leashes, collars, and appropriate tags
• Harnesses and carriers
• Food, drinking water, and a manual can opener
• Cat litter needs
• Medications and vaccination records
• Current picture and veterinarian information
• Pet bedding

Staying Vigilant

As the severity and frequency of extreme weather increases, it’s vital to perform an evaluation of your property and repair or strengthen any vulnerable areas.

Install surge protectors on valuable electronics and consider investing in a backup generator with proper ventilation. Regular tree maintenance near power lines can prevent many outages, while proper pipe insulation helps prevent freezing during winter power losses. Testing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors regularly and keeping gutters clear are also essential preventive measures.

For Evanston and Chicagoland property owners who have installed a sump pump to help prevent lower-level flooding, investing in a battery backup may help you avoid a huge mess and the loss of your personal belongings. If you don’t have a battery backup, keep a manual pump and buckets, mops, and toweling handy to help remove water from your basement until the pump can kick on.

Stay connected to reliable information sources by signing up for ComEd outage alerts and downloading emergency alert apps. Save important contact numbers, including ComEd (1-800-EDISON1), local emergency services, your insurance provider, and our 24/7 restoration hotline.

During a Power Outage: Keep Safe and Minimize Damage

When the power goes out, first determine if the outage affects just your property or the wider neighborhood. Report the outage immediately, and protect electronic devices by unplugging sensitive equipment and appliances. 

• Safety must be your top priority during an outage. Never approach downed power lines, as they should always be considered live and dangerous. 

• Avoid flooded basements where electrical hazards may exist, and use flashlights over candles for emergency lighting — there could be gas in the air from damaged mains. 

• If using a generator, operate it outdoors only, well away from windows and doors. Dress appropriately for the weather and check on your vulnerable neighbors when it’s safe to do so.

Food safety becomes critical during extended outages. A closed refrigerator will maintain safe temperatures for 4 hours, while a full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours. Use a food thermometer to check perishables once power returns, and remember the golden rule: when in doubt, throw it out. Illnesses caused by spoiled food can be life-threatening.

The Road to Recovery

Begin your post-outage assessment methodically. First, check all circuit breakers and fuses. Pay attention to any burning smells or sparking that could indicate electrical damage, and be sure to document any damage with photos for insurance purposes.

A thorough post-storm property inspection should look for several key issues:

• Downed power lines and large tree limbs
• Water damage from frozen or burst pipes, particularly in unheated spaces
• Mold growth in areas that may have become damp during the power outage 
• Roof or exterior storm damage
• Moisture around windows and doors
• Proper functioning of major household appliances such as hot water heaters and dishwashers

If you encounter issues such as burning smells, flooding, or serious structural destruction, it’s time to call the Paramedics of Property Damage™ at PuroClean of Evanston. 

We specialize in helping home and business owners return their property back to normal as soon as possible after a fire, flood, or severe storm — reach out to us today!