TDS Telecom crews assess damage from ice storm in Kentucky

Phones on for many, crews moving in to begin wide spread repairs

TDS Telecom continues to assess damage to property in Salem and Lewisport, Ky. and is now replacing poles and lines in the aftermath of last weeks’ devastating storms.  As new areas open to vehicle traffic, TDS personnel are in position to identify new areas with damage to property and trees alike.  A full damage assessment is not yet available.

Additional TDS Technical Response Team technicians and contractors from several surrounding states are now moving into the area to assist with repairs.  Local and out of state, employees and contractors have been working around the clock to keep generators running and services operating since the storm hit. 

“We appreciate the sacrifices people have made to keep the community connected during this time.  Several technicians have been sleeping in our central office to keep the phone lines open,” states Dave Wittwer, president and CEO of TDS Telecommunications Corp. 

Lewisport, Ky. update:
• Commercial power has been restored to 93 percent of TDS customers.  TDS continues to provide power to supply phone service to remaining residents with lines intact.
 
• TDS crews are replacing lines on personal and commercial properties to restore services as quickly as possible. 

Salem, Ky. update:
•  TDS central office in Salem is operational, but using generators for power. Commercial power has not been restored at this time.

• Homes or businesses with damage to the lines between their home and the main lines are likely out of service and should contact TDS, if they are able from a neighbor’s phone. Call TDS at 1-888-225-5837

• An emergency communications trailer arrived over the weekend to assist local officials in their response and recovery efforts in the coming weeks. 

• Long Distance calling is restored; local calling, including 911 remains operational.

• In case of damage to aerial lines, phone services will be restored by crews as soon as conditions safely warrant. 

• If you have a critical medical need for phone service, please notify TDS at 1-888-225-5837, as well as local officials.

• Do not touch, move, or try to hook up any phone lines. 

• If you need emergency medical assistance and you do not have phone service, please get to the nearest police/fire station for assistance.  

TDS powers the landline network remotely during emergencies with large batteries and remote generators to provide emergency phone services.  Landlines will work when the power is out, so make sure you use a corded phone for emergencies.  (The ones that plug directly into the wall jack, cordless phones will not work.)

Unplugging power and phone lines from computer equipment and modems is also recommended to prevent power surges during restorations from harming your computer, even if you have a surge protector. 

- 30 -