WEST MICHIGAN. — With extremely cold temperatures in Michigan, we’re sharing these 9 winter storm safety tips to help you and your family stay safe and warm and keep your business and employees up and running.
Be Prepared
- Charge electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops. Have fresh batteries available for items such as flashlights and weather radios.
- Keep several days of food that does not need cooking or refrigeration. Remember to stock up on infant formula and baby food if you have children. If you plan on using canned goods, be sure to have a can opener that does not require electricity.
- Keep several days of water on hand (about 1 gallon per person per day for drinking, more for hygiene purposes) in case your pipes freeze or you lose power. Don’t forget to store extra water and food for your pets.
- Keep a complete first-aid kit and a sufficient supply of prescription medications on hand at all times.
- If you have electrically powered life-support equipment, before a power outage occurs, ask your physician, nurse or equipment supplier about emergency backup. In an emergency, dial 911.
- If you have a generator, you must have it connected properly by a licensed electrician, for the safety and protection of our line workers and other emergency responders that may come near power lines.
- Install battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and smoke alarms. Don’t use the stove or oven to heat a home, and don’t use generators in enclosed areas (garages, breezeways) or near other air intakes, windows or doors for risk of CO poisoning. carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms
- Stay 25 feet away from down or sagging power lines and any debris that might be entangled with power lines. If you see any downed power lines, call Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050 or your local law enforcement agency immediately.
- If you lose power, report it online or call Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050.
Get more safety tips, including frequently asked questions, at the Consumers Energy Outage Center.
