MICHIGAN (WHTC-AM/FM) — Authorities across the state are monitoring the latest snow-ice-rain storm blowing across Michigan.
Consumers Energy officials noted that approximately 1,000 people from eight states helped restore service to more than 231,000 customers affected by last week’s storm. Consumers is keeping about 360 of these workers in Michigan for this week’s storm. Repair crews are staged across the utility’s service area and more will be added if needed, according to Consumer officials.
In addition to cautioning area residents to stay at least 25 feet away from any downed power lines, Consumers has a site with an outage map and safety tips at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter.
Michigan State Police, meanwhile, are reminding residents and visitors to stay alert on the roads — and expect power outages that may affect traffic signals.
“Freezing rain and accumulating ice increase the likelihood of power outages and can cause hazardous conditions on the roadways,” said Capt. Emmitt McGowan, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). “We are asking residents to report any outages or downed power lines to their utility company and to use caution when traveling.”
Winter storm safety tips:
- Stay at least 25 feet from any downed lines and assume that every line is “live” and dangerous. Report outages to your utility company.
- Drive slow on ice and snow. Motorists are reminded to take extra precautions when stopping and turning.
- DO NOT crowd snowplows. Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to clear snow from the roads.
- Keep an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle stocked with a cell phone charger, batteries, battery powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, windshield scraper, jumper cables, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food and bottled water in the event you get stranded or stuck.
- If you are stranded, do not leave your vehicle. Stay with the vehicle and wait for help.
The MSP reminds motorists that even during inclement weather, drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their vehicles at all times. Motorists are encouraged to check travel conditions and weather reports before driving at www.michigan.gov/roadconditions. Major road closures can be found at www.michigan.gov/drive. The MSP/EMHSD asks that you tune into local news and/or view these websites rather than calling your local MSP post or 911 for travel conditions.
For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visitwww.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.
