The remnants of Hurricane Ike battered Ohio last Sunday, knocking out electrical service for 2.6million customers.
Wind reaching 78 mph swept across the region and at least seven of the 56 deaths blamed onHurricane Ike were in Ohio. Toppling trees fell on homes, blocked roads and brought down powerlines.
American Electric Power crews were working to restore power to 365 customers in FranklinCounty on Tuesday morning, 10TV News reported.
Earlier this week, AEP said that most customers would have their power restored by Sunday.
In Delaware County, 112 customers were still without power, while 155 customers in CoshoctonCounty were still in the dark early Tuesday.
Glenn White of Reynoldsburg got electricity service restored only late Monday nightafter more than a week without power.
"Four or five days like everyone else, we can do that," White told 10TV News Mondayevening before the power came back on. "But we're still suffering."
Utility companies urged patience as crews move from fixing larger circuits to smaller ones,which can slow the pace of repairs. They also caution customers to be alert to any lingeringhazards, such as downed lines.
To report outages to AEP, call AEP customer service at 800-277-2177.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions were provided by the City of Columbus:
Who do I call to report a power outage?
Columbus power customers without electricity should call 614-645-1518, 645-6174 or 615-7626.American Electric Power customers without power should call 800-277-2177.
What should I do when I see an inoperable traffic light?
Drive slowly and cautiously and treat all inoperative traffic lights as four-way stops.
What if I see a dangling power line?
Avoid all damaged power lines, and report them to 911. Citizens reporting non-emergencyservice issues, such as a downed tree blocking a street, should call 614-645-3111.
How do I know if a downed line has already been reported?
If you see yellow, orange or red scene tape the fire department has already responded, thereis no need to call again. Call 911 if the wires are causing a fire.
Are regular emergency services up and running?
Yes, citizens reporting any emergency should continue to call 911. Citizens reportingnon-emergency crimes should call 614-645-4545.
What do I do with tree limbs in my own yard?
Put yard waste in biodegradable bags near the curb for collection on your scheduledcollection day. Bundle sticks and tree limbs with twine or string-but keep bundles no more thanfour feet long and two feet wide. Larger limbs must be cut up or collected by a private agency. Donot risk serious injury by climbing trees or rooftops to cut limbs yourself if you are not aprofessional. Yard waste can also be taken free of charge 7-3 to the City of Columbus CompostFacility at 7000 Jackson Pike (S.R. 104). For hours and directions call the Compost Facility at614-645-3153.
I have a generator. Is it safe to use?
If you have a generator, use it safely by keeping it outdoors or in a ventilated area.
What should I do for light indoors?
Use flashlights instead of candles whenever possible, and never leave a lit candle unattendedor within the reach of a child.
What if I need a temporary shelter?
Residents whose homes are uninhabitable due to severe damage should call the American RedCross at 614-251-1443.
How long can I keep my food?
Discard perishable food that has been in the refrigerator for eight hours since the powerwent off and in the freezer for 24 hours since the loss of electricity. Previously cooked leftoversshould be discarded after four hours in a closed refrigerator. Perishables are unsafe forconsumption at temperatures higher than 41 degrees. Licensed food markets, restaurants, delis andother food service operations utilizing commercial refrigeration equipment are advised to monitorinternal food temperatures. Food items that reach 41F or higher must be cooked and served within 4hours of reaching that temperature, or they are considered unsafe and must be discarded.
How about medicine that I keep refrigerated?
Ask your pharmacist.
Should I continue to use water regularly?
Conserve water as much as possible, especially in three areas: North of Dublin-Granville Road(State Route 161) between Dublin and New Albany; Portions of Hilliard north of Scioto Darby Roadand northwest of Cemetery and Avery Roads; the City of Reynoldsburg. Residents in those areas areasked to limit water usage by not watering their lawns, turning off water while brushing theirteeth and taking shorter showers.
I have power. What can I do to help?
Check in on neighbors without power, especially senior citizens or those with healthproblems. Help clear debris from streets, yards and sidewalks in your neighborhood.
Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for continuing coverage.
