GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Consumers Energy is preparing for potential power outages that could be caused by the major winter storm coming to West Michigan Friday into Saturday.
The storm is expected to bring a widespread eight inches of wet, heavy snow to the region. This type of snow will weigh on tree branches and power lines, increasing the likelihood of power outages. In addition, high winds are anticipated to cause power outages.
Over 400 Consumers Energy crews, including workers from nine different states, are prepared to be deployed throughout the storm.
“We expect this storm to deliver heavy snow and winds over the next couple of days, and Consumers Energy is ready,” said Chris Laird, Consumers Energy’s vice president for electric operations. “Even as our lineworkers finished restoring power from this week’s first storm, we were already looking ahead and preparing to ensure we keep the lights and heat on for the people who count on us.”
Michiganders are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming storm by doing the following in advance:
- 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.
Snow is anticipated to begin around 9 a.m. Friday, but will ramp up in intensity by 1 p.m. If your power goes out, these safety tips should be kept in mind:
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, and to report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
- Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Read more guidance on safe generator use here.
- Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.
- In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.
To see real-time power outages and restoration times, check the Consumers Energy outage map here.
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