JACKSON, Mich. (WNEM) – Consumers Energy is preparing for the freezing rain, thunderstorms and high winds expected to sweep across the state Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Consumers said lineworkers and other field crews are standing by, adding a mobile command center has been set up in Northern Michigan to coordinate localized response efforts. The utility company said they are mobilizing trucks, essential materials and their Emergency Response Unit to support power restoration efforts.
“As we enter Michigan’s storm season, safety is our top priority,” said Chris Fultz, Consumers Energy’s vice president of low voltage distribution. “The severe weather expected over the next couple of days underscores how important preparedness is for all of us. Our crews are fully staffed, our materials are staged, and we’re ready to respond the moment conditions allow. We want our customers to know we’re committed to restoring power as quickly and safely as possible.”
Consumers Energy is also tracking the potential for statewide strong winds Friday.
To prepare for what to do before, during and after a storm, Consumers encourages customers to visit this link for helpful tips. Customers are also encouraged to sign up for outage alerts at here to receive real-time updates.
Some preparation tips for potential severe weather include:
Charge all critical electronics including medical devices. It’s advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available.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 is also asking you to keep these other important storm safety tips 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.
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