JACKSON, Mich. (WILX) – Consumers Energy is preparing 600 crews for possible outages this weekend, the power company announced Friday evening.
Consumers Energy says it’s preparing to respond to icy storms Saturday in Northern Michigan, with 50 mph winds predicted further south on Sunday. Crews from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan are preparing to work in waves over the next few days.
“This weather forecast has been uncertain, but we know our role is to be ready for the worst,” said Chris Laird, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric operations in a statement. “We’re prepared for the most extreme circumstances and have a goal to restore power to all customers who are affected in 48 hours.”
Consumers has also placed mobile storm units with supplies in Cadillac, Houghton Lake and Gaylord.
Consumers also provided a list of severe weather safety tips:
Charge all electronic devices. An emergency battery or charging station should be 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.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.Be alert to crews working along roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.
You can also keep yourself safe and informed when severe weather occurs by viewing the First Alert forecast page, or downloading the News 10 First Alert Weather App.
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