MICHIGAN, USA — In the days leading up to Wednesday's hazardous winter weather, Consumers Energy has been preparing for anything. Now that the storm is here, their staff says they feel ready for what's to come.
The Consumers Energy Storm Restoration Team has been staged ahead of the storm in areas where they expect the greatest damage.
Consumers is also preparing trucks and essential materials needed help with any restoration efforts.
Outages are spreading across Michigan, especially in the southern central portion of the state. Early Wednesday night, West Michigan is only seeing small outages in Holland area.
With the forecasts calling for freezing rain and strong winds, there is also the potential for downed wires.
Consumers says residents should stay at least 25 feet away from downed wires and anything they are touching. You can report downed wires by calling 911 or Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
You can also stay up-to-date on any outages in your area by visiting the outage map here.
Some preparation tips for potential severe weather include:
- Charge all electronic devices. It's advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available for use during an outage.
- Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, canned food and blankets. Be prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet food if applicable. A battery-operated radio is also a good idea.
- Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.
Consumers Energy also urges the public to keep these other important storm safety tips in mind:
- A portable generator should be placed at least 25 feet away from any doors, windows or fresh air intakes. Never operate a generator inside your home, garage, basement or enclosed area. Proper ventilation is critical.
- In addition to moving your generator outdoors and away from your home doors and intakes, don't run your vehicles in a garage or use your gas stove for heat. If you have a fireplace, ensure the flue is open and only use if it's been cleaned and serviced this year.
- Be alert to crews working along slick roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.
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