Operation Storm Recovery CLE underway with a focus on safety, restoring power and cleaning up debris

Thursday, August 8, 2024 - Cleveland - The City is embracing an all-hands-on-deck storm response approach - Operation Storm Recovery CLE - as we work to restore power and clean up following the widespread damage from Tuesday's storms.

"I want to assure Clevelanders that our emergency teams are working around the clock to restore service and clear debris," said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. "We understand the challenges that come from being without power and are working closely with utility companies to expedite restoration. Due to the extent of the damage, this will take some time. As the recovery continues, we are asking residents to prioritize safety and look out for each other."

A message from Mayor Bibb to the community is available here.

Since Tuesday afternoon, the City has had numerous crews out investigating emergency requests involving power lines and uprooted trees. The primary focus at this time is ensuring roadways, sidewalks, and other public rights-of-way are clear and safe.

Four City of Cleveland Recreation and Resource Centers will be open with extended hours, until 11 p.m., offering residents a place to cool off and connect to Wi-Fi. A limited supply of shelf-stable meals, provided by Greater Cleveland Food Bank, will be available at these four locations beginning on Friday, August 9 at 1 p.m. The locations are:

• Collinwood 16300 Lake Shore Blvd - Wi-Fi, no air conditioning
• Zelma George 3155 MLK Jr Blvd - Wi-Fi, air conditioning
• Cudell 1910 West Blvd - Wi-Fi, partial air conditioning
• Michael Zone 6301 Lorain Ave - Wi-Fi, air conditioning

Please note that outlets for charging devices at recreation centers are limited. Other options for charging, cooling and Wi-Fi include J Glen Smith Health Center at 11100 St. Clair, McCafferty Health Center at 4242 Lorain, Cleveland Public Library (CPL) branches and Cuyahoga County Public Library branches. Please check hours and availability for library branches. All CPL branches will be closed Friday, August 9.

Residents who rely on continuous oxygen are encouraged to contact their oxygen supply companies who are working with the health care systems to secure back-up supplies.

Residents with medications that need to be refrigerated should check the specific instructions on their medications, as medications such as insulin pens can last at room temperature for up to 28 days. For those with more sensitive medications, pharmacies and health care systems are preparing back-up supplies.

The total number of Cleveland Public Power (CPP) customers affected by the storm was approximately 34,000 residents. As of this afternoon, 70 percent of CPP customers have their power restored, thanks to the hard work of dedicated crews who have been working around the clock. The City is also in communication with First Energy, who is working to expedite restoration as well as to provide water and ice to the four recreation centers listed above.

Mayor Bibb's Community Relations team has also organized several food "pop-ups" at multiple sites across the community - with representatives from Community Relations, Division of Police, Public Utilities, and various partners who are on-site grilling hot dogs, providing chips, juice, and bottled water for residents without power. Yesterday's events served well over 100 residents and today's events have served over 200 residents so far.

Numbers to know:

• If residents are experiencing a medical emergency, life-threatening situation, or encounter a downed power line - they should call 911.
• Residents with non-emergency questions or concerns should call 311.
• Call the United Way Help Center at 2-1-1 for resource information for food, clothing, housing, healthcare, and more. The United Way Help Center is free and available 24 hours a day.

"During times of crisis, such as the recent storm that has left many without power, we must come together as a community," said Cleveland City Council President Blaine A. Griffin. "This Council, working in concert with the Mayor, Cleveland Public Power and First Energy will offer support to those who are suffering and ensure that every individual has the resources they need to recover. Together, we will rebuild and emerge stronger."

For more information, please see the Operation Storm Recovery CLE Resources At-a-Glance Guide. This resource will also be printed and made available at recreation centers and various locations throughout the city.

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