09/21/2007

"I am writing in response to the request made by the Municipal Electric Task Force regarding how power outages affect families and businesses. Washington Square, Hinsdale’s only retirement community, can speak from the standpoint of both families and a business.

Washington Square is an independent senior living facility. The seniors who live here have their own apartments located on three floors. When the power goes out, the elevators will not work. Many Residents are no longer able to use the stairs and may be stranded on whatever floor they were on when the power went out. The fire department must be called to carry a resident to the floor where the apartment is located.

When power goes out for more than one hour after the sun has set, the batteries for our emergency lights run down and the hallways become extremely dark causing a safety issue. Without proper lighting, in common areas, hallways and apartments, the risk of tripping, falling and injuries greatly increases.

The health of our Residents is compromised when the power goes out during hot, humid months and there is no air conditioning or during cold winter months when there is no heat. Many of our Residents only use cordless telephones which do not work without power. They are left with no means of contacting the front desk or their families if necessary.

The Residents of Washington Square prepare their own breakfast and lunch. The stoves in the apartments are electric, and without power they cannot be used to prepare a meal. The Residents have dinner together each night in our central dining room. Without power, the Chef in our kitchen cannot adequately prepare dinner for over 50 people. We have a walk-in cooler/freezer and stand to lose thousands of dollars of food inventory when the power is out. Because dinner cannot be prepared, the staff of Washington Square is forced to order 50+ dinners from an outside source which becomes extremely costly.

The office telephone system will not operate without power. The staff of Washington Square sits idle since office equipment such as computers, copiers, fax machines, etc., cannot be used. Certain power tools used in maintenance cannot be used. Because offices are dark, certain manual tasks such as filing cannot be accomplished.

The greatest concern to us is the health, safety and well-being of the seniors residing at Washington Square which is jeopardized each time the power goes out. Our Residents become fearful and their stress increases dramatically when the power goes out. Please find a solution to the recurring power outages quickly."

Kim Blumhagen
Washington Square of Hinsdale
10 N. Washington St.
Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-986-5625