Series of Real-Time EmergencyNet News Reports Concerning a Power Outage 
in Chicago's Loop - 12 Aug 99

12 Aug 99 - 13:25CDT -Update

Chicago, IL (Emergencynet News) -- A power outage in Chicago's near Westside and Loop, at this hour, is reportedly stirring controversy and some public anger.  The power outage began today at around 10:00CDT and affects many businesses and some high-rise residential buildings. According to unofficial reports, the Chicago Board of Trade is closed at this hour due to concerns about its electrical supply. At 13:45CDT, it is believed that an additional planned outage will occur that will enlarge the area of the Loop that is without power. A number of downtown buildings are reportedly being evacuated at this time and the workday may be ending early for many Loop workers.

Chicago Fire Department spokesman John Eversole said "the public safety is not in danger at this time," but that fire and other city officials are closely monitoring the situation. Commonwealth Edison says it is working as rapid as possible to resolve the problem. ComEd has been the target of public and press criticism for a number of electrical outages since a major heatwave that killed several dozen people in Chicago in July. 

15:00CDT - 12 Aug 99 - Instant Update

People in Chicago's Loop seem to be coping fairly well with the on-going power outage. Many businesses have sent their employees home early and there are some traffic problems to be encountered. The Chicago Police Dept. has assigned additional officers to traffic control in order to assure an orderly flow of vehicles departing the Loop.  The Mayor, Police Superintendent, Fire Commissioner, and other key officials are said to be monitoring events from the city 911 center. Sporadic calls have reportedly been received by emergency agencies to assist handicapped or elderly people from affected buildings, but no major incidents have been reported so far.  A Mayoral press conference is thought to be scheduled for 16:00CDT, at which time additional information should be forthcoming. EmergencyNet News continues to monitor Loop events and will provide updates as circumstances warrant....

15:30CDT - 12 Aug 99 - Instant Update

Computer users in the affected or potential outage area and without battery back-ups or reliable generators are cautioned to ensure that "they save their work" and shut-down their Personal Computer (P.C.) systems. According to ERRI computer security analysts, unexpected power surges, sporadic outages and/or restorations can be damaging to unprotected computer equipment.  Particularly small business owners and  personal computer users may be affected.

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) says that they have restored at least some power to the southern part of the loop at this hour and are "working hard to restore power to other customers." A ComEd substation at 9th and Jefferson is said to be a beehive of activity, where three of four power generators failed earlier today. Edison personnel said that they hope to get at least one additional generator on-line tonight, and that action should restore much of the power to the Loop. Additional details as they become available....

16:10CDT: Chicago 9-1-1 Center - Mayoral Press Conference

In a press conference held this afternoon at the Chicago 9-1-1 center, a visibly angry Mayor Daley said that he is upset that Commonwealth Edison didn't notify city officials today that power generators serving the Loop were failing. Daley said that this failure to notify the city "placed the public health and safety at risk." Further, Daley said that "someone is lying" about the electrical infrastructure of the city of Chicago and that an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the most recent blackouts. William Abbott, Commissioner of the City Department of Environmental Affairs said that the "[the city's electrical] system has some deep, deep, deep problems" that must be addressed immediately. EmergencyNet News continues to monitor the problem...

© EmergencyNet News Service, 1999. All rights reserved.

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