JACKSON, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Consumers Energy crews are preparing for a large winter storm that is expected to hit the lower peninsula with snow, freezing rain, and strong wind gusts starting Wednesday afternoon, potentially resulting in power outages, downed wires, and other safety hazards.
Officials say the Consumers Energy Storm Restoration Team has been monitoring this developing storm for several days and is ready to respond, and that crews are being staged in areas where the greatest damage is predicted.
In addition, Consumers Energy is also preparing trucks and essential materials needed to assist with any restoration efforts.
Consumers Energy customers are encourage to visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter to get helpful tips, monitor outages, report an outage and sign up to receive power restoration updates.
Officials are also warning of the potential for downed wires and say customers should stay at least 25 feet away from downed wires and anything they are touching, along with keeping both children and pets away.
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.
- 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.
All issues should also be reported by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
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