COLUMBUS, Ohio — Severe weather made its way through central Ohio and many residents reported outages throughout several counties.
According to AES Ohio, last week's devastating weather impacted 14,000 customers with severe damage or loss of their homes.
"Thank you to our crews who worked tirelessly to safely restore power, to our customers for their patience and to the community for providing resources."
In the central Ohio area, AEP Ohio crews worked to restore power for the 13,400 customers who lost power due to the storm.
AEP Ohio wrote in a statement, "The goal for our field personnel is to get the lights back on for folks safely and as quickly as they can. That’s expected to be accomplished by end of day [Saturday]. The repair work from this storm on our damaged equipment however will likely continue for several weeks. Keep working safe crews!"
Stay up to date on the storm and the damage here.
To track current power outages near you:
AEP has offered the following tips on how to stay prepared and handle a possible outage:
- Put together an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a radio, first aid kit, medications, portable chargers, extra cash and maps of the surrounding area.
- Keep away from downed wires and report hazards through the AEP Ohio mobile app, call 911 and AEP Ohio at (800) 672-2231.
- Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or debris within 10 feet of a power line.
- Limbs, leaves and other objects moved by the wind and ice build-up could hide downed wires. Investigate your surroundings before trying to clean up any debris.
- Notify AEP Ohio if you’re using a generator. This protects you and our lineworkers as they work to restore power.
- Never operate lanterns, heaters or fuel-fired stoves without proper ventilation.
- Unplug major appliances to protect them when power is restored.
- Refuel heaters, lamps and generators outside and away from any flames or sparks. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.
- Never burn charcoal indoors — it releases poisonous carbon monoxide.
- For the health and safety of AEP Ohio crews, please stay at least 6 feet away from our employees, vehicles and equipment.
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