JACKSON, Mich, — According to a news release from Consumers Energy winter storms are expected through Sunday across southern Lower Michigan which may bring up to an inch of freezing rain have Consumers Energy preparing for power outages and reminding customers of preparation tips before, during and after storms strike.
Ice accumulation is a serious threat to the electric distribution system. Current weather forecasts call for as much as an inch of ice from freezing rain in portions of southern Lower Michigan Saturday and into Sunday. Tonight and Friday, lighter amounts of freezing rain are expected as a storm system moves through the state.
Consumers Energy is monitoring the weather and is preparing for possible power outages. Headquarters are staffed and additional company and contractor crews are on standby to quickly respond to any power outages and downed power lines caused by the expected storms.
“We are watching the weather closely and will be ready for whatever Mother Nature brings us,” said Mary Palkovich, vice president of energy delivery for the utility. “We’re committed to doing everything we can to deliver safe, reliable energy service to our customers when severe weather hits. A wide range of company, contract personnel and equipment have been mobilized to rapidly respond to any customer power outages.”
Some important tips to help prepare for a storm include:
· Charge electronic devices such as cell phones and laptop and tablet computers, and have fresh batteries available for items such as flashlights and weather radios.
· Have a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food available, and don’t forget a first aid kit or any prescription medication if needed.
· During and after a storm, people are advised to stay at least 25 feet from any downed lines and assume that every line is “live” and dangerous. Residents are also reminded to not touch anything a power line may be touching, including trees, fences, other debris and puddles.
· Report any downed wires by calling 9-1-1 or Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050.
Additional storm and power outage information is available at Consumers Energy’s online outage center, www.ConsumersEnergy.com/outage.
Customers who lose power should contact Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050 or online at www.ConsumersEnergy.com. Customers can report an outage, get outage information, including updated estimated restoration times, all on a detailed map available at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/outagemap. The map is accessible via both desktop computer and mobile devices.
