June 11, 2026 Update from the Mayor
Post Storm Update
The storm last night significantly impacted our city as many of you know. Like my home, there remain many residents without power. There is significant tree damage throughout town and several buildings closer to 87th Street sustained damage, including torn off roofs. Fortunately, we are not aware of any loss of life or injuries related to the storm.
There is a wooden ComEd transformer pole that is precariously leaning over Roberts Road, just south of 95th Street. Public Works personnel worked throughout the night to redirect traffic in that area as other Public Works personnel worked to clear residential streets of debris. The debris clearing will be an ongoing effort over the course of many days.
We are in regular communication with ComEd regarding the power outage and have asked ComEd to deploy a service truck to repair the leaning power pole and several other downed lines. Below is a summary of ComEd restoration status:
Hickory Hills ComEd Restoration
At this time, ComEd does not have an estimated restoration time, but they said they will provide one as soon as possible. There are 6,203 ComEd customer accounts in town with 3,058 currently without service.
Based on the information provided to the city, ComEd service restoration may not occur for days so those without power (like me) should consider finding refrigeration alternatives for valuable items in your refrigerator/freezer.
Alderman Mike McHugh has confirmed that our Hickory Hills Community Center will be opened as a cooling center for those who may need. Please share this information with any friend or neighbor who may not know about this option. The Community Center is located east of Roberts Road at 7800 89th Place, Hickory Hills. The phone number there is 708/237-4150.
Below is some further information that may be of interest:
Priorities For Storm Restoration
• Through switching and repair of high voltage transmission lines and substations, we restore service to the largest number of customers.
• We restore power to facilities critical to public health and safety including hospitals, police and fire stations, water reclamation plants, and communication systems.
• We dispatch crews to make repairs to equipment that will return service to the largest number of customers in the least amount of time. These include major feeder trunk lines, high-density housing projects, and large neighborhoods.
• Finally, we restore power to smaller neighborhoods and individual services.
NEW: Receive Outage Alerts on Your Mobile Phone
ComEd has instituted a two-way text messaging capability that allows customers to text their outage to ComEd and enables ComEd to text restoration information back to customers.
The expanded outage alert text message program will provide added convenience for customers and help improve their experience. The new program enhancements:
• Allow customers to text the company to report an outage,
• Offer real-time information on outages, and
• Allow customers to text ComEd to opt into the program.
• To report an outage, customers can text OUT to 26633 (COMED)
• Sign up at: https://www.comed.com/customer-service/outage-information/Pages/outage-alerts.aspx
Public Safety Awareness
Public safety is paramount during storms and ComEd encourages the public to remember to take the following precautions:
• Anyone encountering a downed power line is urged to immediately call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661) and report the location. Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237).
• Never approach a downed power line. Always presume a power line is energized and extremely dangerous.
• Check on elderly and other sensitive family members and neighbors to ensure their safety and make alternate arrangements, as it may be some time before their power is restored.
ComEd also offers the following suggestions for customers experiencing a prolonged outage:
• Turn off all appliances including your furnace, water heater, and water pump.
• Leave a lamp on so you can know when power has been restored.
• Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed and open them only when necessary. Food can stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer, if the door remains closed. A half-full freezer can generally keep food frozen for 24 hours.
• Customers who are on medical support equipment are strongly encouraged to evacuate to a place where they can be comfortable and safe.
Please keep an eye on any elderly neighbors who may need assistance. Feel free to call the Hickory Hills Police Department non-emergency number at 708/598-4900 for any wellness check.
Mayor Mike