7/19/2019 - Power Outage

Parts of Madison are experiencing a power outage after two fires at MG&E substations this morning. Here's an update from the City:

The City of Madison is working to keep our community safe during this power outage, and there are a number of points we’re keeping an eye on. We will continue keeping you updated as soon as information is available.

Traffic Safety

There are a number of intersections running on generators, and we’re working to identify which intersections are still in need. Right now, there are 11 intersections running on generators, two of them are on trucks.  The following are covered:

• Blair/Wilson/Willy
• Blair/Washington
• Ingersoll/Washington
• Baldwin/Washington
• Johnson/Hamilton / Butler
• First/Washington
• First/Johnson is on a truck
• Fordham/Johnson
• Patterson/Willy
• Ingersoll/Willy
• Bassett/Wash – Truck

When an intersection is dark, not flashing, those intersections should be treated as a four-way stop.

Immediate cooling

The City is keeping a critical eye on the extreme heat. All City-run libraries, including the Central Library, are open as cooling centers and have power.

The Water Utility Water Wagon will also be downtown at the top of State Street from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. They will have water bottles and cup.

The downtown well has no power, so water pressure may be lower than normal downtown.

Public Health has these reminders for anyone impacted by the power outage and heat:

Stay cool

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings. If you need a cool place to stay, public places such as local senior centers, libraries, and malls are good options.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Never sit in a parked car or leave a child or pet in a parked car.

Stay hydrated

• Drink more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol and liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Make sure your family and pets are drinking enough water.

Stay connected

• Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.
• Regularly check on friends, loved-ones, and neighbors either face-to-face or via telephone.

If you start feeling overheated, weak, dizzy, nauseated, or have muscle cramps, you could be experiencing heat illness. Move to air conditioning, drink water, get under a fan, and put on cool washcloths. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve, go to the emergency room.

City crews are working to restore power after a fire was located in the substation. Right now, they’re assessing damage and are cutting through heavy cable.

Nonessential city personnel should go home for the day.

The Metro Call Center is up take customer calls. Metro has a temporary facility up on Pennsylvania Ave.

Buses are behind schedule, however are improving as East Washington.

The City will continue to follow this power outage, and will continue to provide updates throughout the day on social media: City Facebook page, Twitter.

As always, if there is anything I can do to help, feel free to reach out: district19@cityofmadison.com

-Keith F