Winter storm warnings Consumers Energy emergency tips http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/201 ... mpt_c.html"As we move into the winter storm season, it's important that we take time to plan for severe weather activity," said Daniel J. Malone, Consumers' senior vice president of distribution and customer operations. "Being prepared can minimize the impact of a storm and help you and your family to stay safe."
The company issued the following tips for customers:
Be prepared- Keep flashlights and a portable radio handy. Ensure batteries are fresh. Lanterns and battery-operated flashlights are a safe alternative to candles.
- Keep emergency numbers handy. Most hard-wired and cell phones should still work.
- Some cordless phones operate with only electricity. Keep a cell phone or other phone that works without electricity.
- Become familiar with the location of your electric circuit box and know how to turn power on and off.
- If you have electrically powered life support equipment, prior to an outage, ask your physician, nurse or equipment supplier about emergency backup.
- If you have a generator, you must have a transfer switch installed in your fuse box by a licensed electrician, for the safety and protection of Consumers line workers.
- Keep a supply of canned food and, if you have an infant, baby formula. Make sure you have a manual can opener.
- Keep a complete first-aid kit and a sufficient supply of prescription medications on hand at all times.
During a storm- Stay clear of downed and sagging wires. Treat all downed wires as if they were energized and keep a safe distance. Also ensure kids and pets maintain a safe distance. Immediately report downed wires to Consumers at (800) 477-5050 or local police.
- Do not attempt to repair or remove tree limbs from lines.
- Please do not interfere with utility crews while they are working.
- Keep one light switched on so you will know when electricity has been restored.
- If you are leaving your house, turn the main breaker off. This will reduce the chance of appliance damage and safety problems if power is restored while you are away.
- Before removing damaged trees or branches, check closely to make sure no lines are touching them.
- Draw blinds and shades over your windows. That will prevent glass from shattering into your home if the window should break due to blown objects or large hail.
What to do after storm passes- Continue listening to local radio or television stations or monitoring the local newspaper for updated information and instructions.
- Avoid traveling to or through storm-damaged areas if possible. You may be putting yourself at risk or hampering restoration efforts.
- Be cautious around storm-damaged brush, branches and trees where wires may be entangled.
- Survey your property for any visible damage and possible lingering effects of the storm, such as hanging branches or sagging lines.
- Offer to help neighbors who may need special assistance: infants, the elderly or people with disabilities.
- Arrange for clean-up on your property of any debris. Consumers will take care of pole or wire replacement and clean up, but tree and other debris can pose a hazard and should be removed promptly by the homeowner.
- Restoration information may be obtained by calling (800) 477-5050.
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