Consumers Energy Crews Preparing for High Winds to Move through Michigan on Monday

Consumers Energy is preparing for a storm that should bring wind gusts of up to 50 mph throughout the day Monday, creating the possibility of power outages.

The Consumers Energy Storm Restoration Team has been monitoring this weather for several days and is ready to respond. Over 180 crews are being staged in advance. The storm is expected to deliver the most serious impact along the Lake Michigan shore and in West Michigan, though winds are expected to continue until Monday evening and affect communities elsewhere.

Consumers Energy is also preparing trucks and essential materials needed to assist with any restoration efforts.

To help the public prepare for what to do before, during and after a storm, Consumers Energy encourages customers to visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter for helpful tips. Customers also can visit the online outage map, report an outage and sign up to receive power restoration updates. Customers should also download the Consumers Energy app.

Customers should stay at least 25 feet away from downed wires and anything they are touching, keep children and pets away, and report the issue by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.

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. If you have a fireplace, ensure the flue is open and only use if it’s been cleaned and serviced this year.

·            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.