City encourages residents to stay safe during storm-related power outages

Crews continue to work around the clock to clean up debris and downed power lines after a line of severe storms moved through the city last night.

Response

According to the City's Emergency Management Department, preliminary information related to last night's storm damage includes nearly 100 combined reports of downed wires, downed trees, and power outages. Most of the reports are related to downed trees.

Minneapolis Public Works' prioritization for cleanup continues to be:

• Clearing roadways to provide access for first responders.

• Ensuring stormwater system is functional, including clearing debris out of catch basins.

• Ensuring traffic control systems are operational.

• Addressing signs blown down
  

Power Outages

As of 4:00 P.M, Xcel Energy reports 7,381 customers were without power in Minneapolis. That number remains fluid as crews work to restore service. According to Xcel, remaining customers will have power restored by Thursday evening.

If you encounter a traffic signal that's flashing or completely out, treat the intersection like a four-way stop, yielding to pedestrians. Report issues with City streets by calling 311 or at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/report-an-issue/#topics-11182.

The Salvation Army's operation centers across the metro remain open as cooling centers to the public during weekday business hours. Locations include:

• 10011 Noble Parkway, Brooklyn Park

• 2024 N. Lyndale Ave., Minneapolis

• 2727 Central Ave. NE., Minneapolis

• 1604 E. Lake Street, Minneapolis

• 1019 Payne Ave., St. Paul

• 2080 Woodlynn Ave., Woodbury

Downed Trees
Issues with a boulevard tree? The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is responsible for City-owned trees in the boulevards and on park property. Report storm damage to these trees at 612-313-7710. If you suspect that a tree is in contact with an energized wire, stay away, and call 911. More information is available at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/park-care-improvements/trees/storm_response/

Property owners are responsible for trees on their property. Tree debris such as leaves, branches (less than 3 ft long and less than 3 in diameter) and twigs are accepted with your regular yard waste collection. Larger branches are not accepted. More information is available at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/yard-waste/

Safety Tips

According to the USDA, perishable foods will stay safe in a refrigerator for only 4 hours during an outage. Never taste food to determine its safety. Remember "When In Doubt, Throw It Out!"

Check on your neighbors - seniors, children and those who have health issues or disabilities are especially vulnerable.

Ready.Gov recommends the following steps to stay safe without power:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.

• Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.

• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

More tips can be found at: https://www.ready.gov/power-outages

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