If you have an electrical emergency, call ComEd at
1-877-4-ComEd-1 (1-877-426-6331).
ComEd urges you strongly, to use electricity wisely and safely. Visit our Electric Universe. This site has tips, stories, interactive games, experiments and activities that make it easy to learn how to use electricity safely.
Call before you dig
Before you dig, you are required by law to call J.U.L.I.E. & DIGGER. They will help you to locate underground gas, electric and telephone lines in your neighborhood or work area.
- J.U.L.I.E. (Outside Chicago) 1-800-892-0123 or visit their website .
- DIGGER (Inside Chicago) 1-312-744-7000
Whether you are planting a tree, building a fence or laying foundation, contacting a line with a shovel or pick can damage power lines -- and injure or kill.
Call 1-877-4-ComEd-1 (1-877-426-6331) if you see a downed wire.
Keep yourself and others away from any fallen power lines.
You never know when they might be live. Call 1-877-4-ComEd-1
(1-877-426-6331) right away and report the location of the downed wires.
If a line falls on your car, stay in your car.
If you must get out of the car, jump clear, do not touch any part of your car and the ground at the same time and stay clear of the fallen line.
If your basement floods, don't enter unless you're sure the water isn't in contact with a source of electricity.
Such as an appliance, electrical outlet, or extension cord. If you're not sure, call a qualified electrician to disconnect the power before entering.
If an electrical appliance catches fire, NEVER use water to try to put it out.
It can conduct the electricity back to you. Unplug it, or turn off the fuse or circuit to the outlet. It's a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher handy for situations like this.
If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, don't reach in to get it.
Unplug it first by pulling on the cord not the plug.
If someone receives an electrical shock, attempt to turn the power source off. Never touch the victim yourself.
Call for medical assistance immediately. Protect your sensitive equipment. Variations in the flow of electricity can damage highly sensitive electronic equipment.
To protect appliances and electronic equipment, you may want to consider purchasing a special device known as a surge protector.
These devices can be purchased at area home centers. When disturbances occur that are beyond our control, ComEd is not responsible for equipment that may be damaged.
Always assume power lines are live.
This applies to power lines on utility poles as well as those entering your home or buildings. Even momentary contact can injure or kill. Always keep yourself, your equipment and anything you carry at least 10 feet from power lines. Even though you may notice a covering on a line, never assume it is safe to touch. Stay Away, Stay Alive.
Never stand ladders near power lines.
When working on or near ladders, keep all tools, the ladder, and anything you carry well away (at least 10 feet) from power lines.
Keep away from power lines.
Contact with a power line can cause serious burns or electrocution. Remember to work a safe distance from all power lines. When performing construction activities, keep equipment at least 10 feet from power lines and 25 feet from transmission tower lines.
Don't climb or trim trees near power lines.
Keep children from climbing trees near power lines. Hire a qualified contractor to trim trees near power lines. If you have any questions about removing limbs or trees near power lines, call 1-877-4-ComEd-1
(1-877-426-6331).
Call before you begin work.
If you are conducting work that may bring yourself, your equipment and anything you carry within ten feet of a power line, call 1-877-4-ComEd-1
(1-877-426-6331).