More than 2K without power; AES Ohio, public works work to minimize outage

Update: As of 6:20 a.m., the AES Ohio outage map is reporting more than 2,000 customers without powers after storms and tornado warnings hit the Miami Valley Tuesday.

The map currently says 2,616 households are experiencing outages.

Original story:

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — Ahead of expected severe weather, crews across the Miami Valley are preparing for potential power outages and storm damage.

A spokesperson with AES Ohio said crews have two key goals in these situations: to get the power back on and remain safe while doing it.

Mary Ann Kabel, director of AES Corporate Communications, said the weather can be unpredictable and so can the aftermath. Customers are urged by AES Ohio to treat downed power lines as energized, because they most likely are.

AES Ohio will have 49 line crews and 69 tree crews ready to work 24 hours to react to the storm. It’s important to have a plan in place for the time between reporting an outage and power being restored.

“Always put safety as a priority. Prepare storm kit. What do you have in your storm kit? Everything from batteries to making sure you have all your devices charged to also flashlights, cash. Sometimes if you need to go out and buy things, make sure you have gas in your car,” said Kabel.

It’s also recommended to keep important phone numbers for family, friends and doctors written down. To report an outage, call 877-OUTAGE or report the outage online .

Public Works Director Frederick Stovall said his crews have been preparing equipment. The Miami Valley is no stranger to storms and drastic damage, and preparedness is key.

“So we have forestry crews. So we’re making sure, you know, all of our crane trucks and all our chainsaws and that type of equipment is functional. So we’re going to be prepared for whatever comes about,” said Stovall.

Stovall said his crews get stretched on days like this, so it’s important to know when to call for help.

“If you call and say, hey, the tree fell down, this blocking sidewalk is blocking the street, we’re going to clear that to ensure pedestrians and vehicles can travel in the right way,” said Stovall. “If it’s on private property that is totally on the property owner.”

If you’re caught out on the road, it’s important to understand changes in route flow and road damage can make things less safe.

“With high winds, there could be trouble if you sitting on the road with the wind pushing the car.
You know, a lot of wind drag flooding. You want to make sure that you don’t go through flooded waters and and drive across across flooded roads,” said Kara Hitchens, AAA public affairs manager.

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