Natural Gas Safety
Be Prepared as Spring Storms, Heavy Rain Sweep Across Michigan
Consumers Energy is encouraging customers to be prepared for possible power outages resulting from heavy rain and potential severe weather across lower Michigan through Friday morning.
Significant rain in the past week, coupled with several inches of additional rain expected Wednesday night into early Friday, has prompted flood watches and warnings across the state. Downed power lines in standing water conduct electricity, making for an extremely dangerous situation. Assume all downed wires are “live” and stay at least 25 feet away from them and any wet areas they may be contacting. Call Consumers Energy immediately at 1-800-477-5050 or your local law enforcement agency to report downed power lines.
“Downed wires may look harmless, but they’re not,” said Kate Burgers, the utility’s director of public safety. “Never touch anything a downed power line is touching, including water. Stay away and stay alive.”
Consumers Energy advises the public that if a flooded area is evacuated by local emergency management personnel, electricity and natural gas service will likely be shut off for safety reasons. After flooding recedes, check for the odor of gas before entering any areas. If gas is detected leave the area immediately and call 1-800-477-5050.Burgers, the utility’s director of public safety. “Never touch anything a downed power line is touching, including water. Stay away and stay alive.”
Consumers Energy is closely monitoring the weather situation and is in regular contact with local emergency management coordinators, especially in areas already experiencing flooding or where flooding is expected.
The American Red Cross is also encouraging residents living near flood-prone areas to stay alert, practice an evacuation plan, assemble an emergency preparedness kit and heed all official flood warnings. More information is available at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
In addition to the threat of flooding, the public is reminded what to do before, during and after a storm to stay safe.
“It’s important that we take time to plan for dealing with severe weather during all four seasons,” Burgers said. “Being prepared can minimize the impact of a storm and help you and your families stay safe.”
Before and after a storm hits, Consumers Energy encourages citizens and customers to consider the following tips:
Be Prepared
- Keep enough supplies for 72 hours – food, water, medication, etc. Remember to have food that doesn’t require refrigeration or heating and copies of prescriptions as well as a first aid kit. Don’t forget food / water for pets as well.
- Keep flashlights, a portable radio and extra batteries handy. For safety, battery operated lights should be used instead of candles which can cause a fire.
- Install battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and smoke alarms.
- Don’t use generators in enclosed areas (garages, breezeways) or near other air intakes for risk of CO poisoning.
- When using a generator, make sure it is properly installed by a licensed electrician, for the safety of line workers and other emergency responders who may come near power lines.
- Charge your electronics prior to the storm and switch to a battery saving mode if power is lost. Limit non-essential calls so your devices are available for emergency information or contacting 911.
During a Storm
- Stay at least 25 feet away from all downed wires and always assume they are “live.” Call Consumers Energy immediately at 1-800-477-5050 or your local law enforcement agency to report downed power lines.
- Stay away from storm debris that might be entangled with power lines.
- Don’t touch anything a power line may be touching including trees, fences and puddles.
- Never go into an area with electrical-powered equipment where there is standing water.
- Visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com on your mobile device, which immediately displays helpful outage and storm related information, including the online outage map.
After a Storm
- Check on neighbors or family members who may have been affected by the storm.
- When safe to leave your home, check on neighbors or family members who may have been affected by the storm; especially those with specific concerns such as the elderly and individuals with infants, limited mobility or other special needs.
- Monitor your local radio station or Consumers Energy’s online outage map, www.ConsumersEnergy.com/outagemap on your mobile device or desktop computer to get the most current power restoration information. The site allows customers to report an outage, get estimated restoration times for outages and view outages on a detailed map. Customers can also report power outages by calling Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050.
Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week
Report power outages using your smartphone at http://www.ConsumersEnergy.com/outagemap or call (800) 477-5050.
As spring weather returns to Michigan, so does the risk of severe weather.
To help protect people and property, April 7-13 has been declared Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week. Tips and resources to prepare for thunderstorms, flooding and tornadoes that can accompany rising temperatures include the following:
Before a storm strikes:
-Plan ahead. Know where to go and what to do in a weather emergency.
-Have a portable radio, flashlights and fresh batteries handy.
-Know the location of the circuit box for your home’s electricity and how to turn the power on and off.
During a thunderstorm:
-Don’t use the phone unless it’s an emergency.
-Unplug or turn off power to all unnecessary appliances, such your coffeemaker, toaster, TV, DVD player, microwave and computer.
-Stay away from open windows, doors, patio or open porch.
-Don’t shower or bathe. Lightning can travel through plumbing pipes and water.
-Have alternate routes planned in case of flooding.
During a tornado:
-In homes and small buildings, go to the basement and get under something sturdy, like a workbench or stairwell. If a basement is not available, go to an interior (windowless) room, closet or bathroom on the lowest level. In public places, move to the designated shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floors are generally best.
-Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
-If you are caught outdoors, seek a sturdy shelter.
If your home loses power:
-If possible, check to see if the problem is a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.
-Report an outage and get predicted restoration times using your smartphone at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/outagemap or by calling (800) 477-5050.
-Watch for fallen wires, broken utility poles or tree limbs on a power line. Stay clear of power lines and anything a power line is touching, including puddles of water, and call us at right away at (800) 477-5050.
After a flood:
-After a flood or other disaster, check for the odor of natural gas (rotten eggs) before entering any area. If gas is detected, leave the area immediately and call (800) 477-5050. Replace any appliance submerged in water
Visit Michigan.gov and search Severe Weather Awareness
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( Comments Off )Consumers Energy Reaffirms Safety Commitment After Royal Oak Explosion
Following the tragic explosion in Royal Oak on Feb. 27, Consumers Energy has been conducting a thorough investigation, including employee interviews, system inspection and policy review. Based on our findings through March 15, we have taken appropriate disciplinary action, including terminations for failure to follow established policies and procedures.
We take our responsibility to protect our communities, customers and employees very seriously and are committed to a zero tolerance policy when it comes to their safety. With this commitment in mind, we continue to be vigilant and proactive in taking steps to reassure the public:
- We have completed our detailed review and validation of standard operating procedures with employees and contractors working on our system. Boring operations will fully resume the week of March 18
- Our experts continue to be available to meet with residents and businesses in a wider area around the site, identifying any concerns and offering additional safety testing.
Throughout the year, Consumers Energy also conducts a number of ongoing, preventative safety measures:
- Proactive approach to detect gas leaks along our pipeline systems throughout our service areas.
- Encourage citizens who smell “rotten egg” odorant to contact us from a safe location immediately at (800) 477-5050 to report the odor, as this is the number one defense against gas leaks.
- Use specially-equipped trucks to detect natural gas particles in the area. These routes are driven on established routines and regular timetables.
- Conduct walking surveys using hand-held gas detection equipment.
- Pilots regularly fly over our gas pipeline transmission system to perform visual inspections for safety and reliability.
We also have a comprehensive Integrity Management Plan in place to maintain and evaluate our pipelines, as part of the federal Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002. We review the structural integrity of our pipelines using methods that include:
- Running an electronic device inside the pipeline to transmit images and gathering data about the condition of the pipe;
- Pressure testing pipelines using water and above-ground test instruments; and
- Excavating pipes and making repairs if potential problems are indicated during these processes.
The safety of our communities, customers and employees remains Consumers Energy’s top priority, and our thoughts continue to be with the deceased victim’s family and friends.
We are fully cooperating with the Michigan Public Service Commission, the National Transportation Safety Board and local authorities, and will provide more details on our findings following the conclusion of the investigation.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( Comments Off )Consumers Energy Reiterates Commitment to Safety, Issues Update on Royal Oak Explosion
Consumers Energy reiterates its commitment to safety regarding the ongoing investigation into the Royal Oak explosion on February 27. The company issued the following statement March 7.
The safety of our community, customers and employees remains our top priority, and our thoughts continue to be with the deceased victim’s family and friends. As we implement our comprehensive safety program in the affected Royal Oak community, our experts are standing ready 24/7 responding to questions and concerns from the community.
In addition, we continue to be vigilant and proactive in our approach to keep the community safe by taking the following steps:
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We have suspended all boring projects throughout the state. Employees and contractors working on our system are going through a detailed review and validation of our standard operating procedures. Upon completion, we will resume boring operations.
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We have performed extensive gas safety testing in the area as residents returned to their homes on Friday and Saturday.
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Employees tested for the presence of gas in and around homes, made sure appliances were relit and operating, and pressure-tested the customer-owned fuel lines of each home to help allay residents’ concerns.
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A team of employees met with residents and businesses in a wider area around the site, identifying any concerns and offering additional safety testing.
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We have reached out to the Royal Oak School District offering safety training and educational programs for students, teachers and administrators.
Throughout the year, Consumers Energy also conducts a number of ongoing, preventative safety measures:
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Proactive approach to detect gas leaks along our pipeline systems throughout our service areas.
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Encourage citizens who smell “rotten egg” odorant to contact us from a safe location immediately at (800) 477-5050 to report the odor, as this is the number one defense against gas leaks.
-
Use specially-equipped trucks to detect natural gas particles in the area. These routes are driven on established routines and regular timetables.
-
Conduct walking surveys using hand-held gas detection equipment.
-
Consumers Energy pilots regularly fly over our gas pipeline system to perform visual inspections for safety and reliability.
We also have a comprehensive Integrity Management Plan in place to maintain and evaluate our pipelines, as part of the federal Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002. We review the structural integrity of our pipelines using methods that include:
- Running an electronic device inside the pipeline to transmit images and gathering data about the condition of the pipe;
- Pressure testing pipelines using water and above-ground test instruments; and
- If potential problems are indicated during these processes, we will excavate and examine the pipe and make repairs.
Consumers Energy continues to fully cooperate with the Michigan Public Service Commission, the National Transportation Safety Board and local authorities. We will provide more details on findings following the conclusion of the investigation.
For more information regarding Consumers Energy , visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( Comments Off )Consumers Energy Gets Ready For Expected Winter Storm And Offers Storm Preparation Tips
Consumers Energy is reminding customers what to do before, during and after a winter storm, as the utility prepares to respond to a storm expected to bring sustained high winds across the state Tuesday and early Wednesday.
Consumers Energy is making preparations to respond to any electric service interruptions that may result from the storm. The winds, expected to gust upward of 40 mph from early Tuesday through Wednesday morning, may result in power outages, but the utility is prepared.
“Our customers can count on us to be ready when this storm hits,” said Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy’s vice president of energy delivery. “We are mobilizing a wide range of company and contract personnel and equipment to be in place for a rapid response to any customer power outages. That’s our promise to Michigan.”
At the same time, Rochow said, it’s advisable for customers to prepare to keep themselves and their family members safe during this winter storm and the storms to come. “It’s important that we take time to plan for dealing with severe weather during any season,” Rochow said. “Being prepared can minimize the impact of a storm and help you and your family to stay safe.”
Customers who lose power should call 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.
Be Prepared
- 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 for risk of CO poisoning.
- When using a generator, make sure it is properly installed by a licensed electrician, for the safety of line workers and other emergency responders who may come near power lines.
- Change smoke and CO detector batteries when resetting clocks for daylight savings.
- Charge your electronics prior to the storm and switch to a battery saving mode if power is lost.
- Limit non-essential calls so your devices are available for emergency information or contacting 911.
During a Storm
- Stay away from downed power lines and debris that might be entangled with power lines.
- Stay at least 25 feet away from all downed wires and always assume they are “live.” Call Consumers Energy immediately at 1-800-477-5050 or your local law enforcement agency if you see any downed power lines.
- Don’t touch anything a power line may be touching including trees, fences and puddles. A good rule is if you are in a safe location, stay there (like your house or car) and then make sure you notify Consumers Energy.
- Don’t interfere with utility crews while they are working.
- Visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com on your mobile device, which immediately displays helpful outage and storm related information, including our new online outage map.
After a Storm
- Check on neighbors or family members who may have been affected by the storm.
- Limit non-essential travel to avoid going into hazardous areas and avoid hampering restoration efforts.
- When safe to leave your home, check on those with specific concerns such as the elderly, those with infants, limited mobility or other special needs.
- Monitor your local radio station or Consumers Energy’s on line outage map, www.ConsumersEnergy.com/outagemap on your mobile device to get the most current power restoration information.
- If your home loses heat during period of extreme cold, call 211 and see if there is a designated public shelter in your area. You can also visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency website from your mobile device, www.FEMA.gov and use its shelter-locating mobile application.
National Girl Scout Cookie Day and Consumers Energy Expert Patches
As the nation celebrates National Girl Scout Cookie Day today, we wanted to congratulate all the Michigan scouts who earned an Energy Expert patch from Consumers Energy during the last year.
The Girl Scouts of the USA are about much more than delicious cookies sold in the springtime. Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, the Girl Scouts embrace many of the same ideals that also drive Consumers Energy: leadership, safety, volunteerism, teamwork, community involvement and environmental protection.
Approximately one in every two adult women (49 percent) in the U.S. has been a Girl Scout, and currently an estimated 59 million American women are Girl Scout alumnae.
Michigan is home to three Girl Scout organizations: Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore-to-Shore in the northwest, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan through the south, and Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan.
In addition to encouraging employees to volunteer their time to troop activities, Consumers Energy also supports Michigan Girl Scout troops by providing opportunities for scouts to earn Energy Expert patches.
“Young people crave positive recognition for their efforts, and the badges satisfy this desire,” said Antonette Noakes, senior rate analyst II and 10-year Girl Scout volunteer. “They enable us to focus on the positive of every girl and encourage them to learn skills, behaviors, habits and attitudes that will add to their future success.”
To earn the Energy Expert patch, Scouts must complete a number of activities concerning electric and natural gas safety, energy use, careers in energy and types of fuel and energy sources.
We even host events throughout the year to give scouts opportunities to earn these patches with the help of Consumers Energy employees. The girls are able to tour facilities, conduct science experiments, watch equipment demonstrations and learn about jobs in the utility field from the people who do them.
“Consumers Energy has been very supportive of the Girl Scouts and I believe there are youth in our communities who will be more successful as a result,” Noakes said.
To learn more about Consumers Energy’s continued support of the Girl Scouts, visit our Scout page.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( Comments Off )Keep Furnace Vents, Meters Free of Snow and Ice
PLEASE HELP KEEP METER READERS SAFE by keeping sidewalks, stairways and gate areas free of snow and ice buildup.
Consumers Energy reminds customers to keep safety in mind by making sure their natural gas meters and gas appliance fresh air intakes and exhaust pipes are free of snow and ice during the cold weather.
When snow is allowed to build up around these areas, it can become compacted and freeze. This can cause damage that interferes with proper operation of the natural gas meter and gas appliances such as furnaces or water heaters. Customers are advised to carefully remove snow by hand and not use a shovel or power snow removal equipment around these areas.
While most gas appliance fresh air intake and exhaust pipes are generally located on the sides of buildings, in manufactured or mobile homes they are most often located on the roof. Customers should use caution if they need to inspect these rooftop pipes.
“It’s important that customers keep meters, fresh air vents and exhaust pipes clear, particularly after weather that brings heavy snow and ice buildup,” said Michele Kirkland, Consumers Energy vice president of energy operations. “Not only can snow and ice cause furnaces and appliances such as water heaters to stop operating, it can also cause potentially life-threatening carbon monoxide poisoning to develop.”
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless and can be produced when appliances aren’t operating or venting properly. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often mimic the flu and include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and stinging or burning of the eyes. If any of these symptoms are experienced, or if individuals have an audible carbon monoxide detector and it alarms, leave the building or area and contact Consumers Energy, their local natural gas provider or 911.
The best defense against carbon monoxide poisoning is to install an audible alarm that will sound if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are present. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/carbonmonoxide and www.cdc.gov/co/guidelines.htm.
To help ensure the safety of meter readers, customers are also asked to keep their sidewalks, stairways and gate areas free of snow and ice buildup. A clear path to the meter and a meter that is clearly visible without a build-up of snow and ice will help make meters easier to read and reduce the need for estimating energy use.
For more information regarding Consumers Energy, visit www.consumersenergy.com or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( Comments Off )Preparations Being Made for Winter Storm
We are making preparations to respond to any electric service interruptions that may result from the winter season’s first major storm set to hit Michigan late Thursday and into Friday. High winds and heavy, wet snow may result in power outages, but we are prepared.
“Our customers can rest assured that they can count on us to be ready when this storm hits,” said Garrick Rochow, vice president of energy delivery. “We are mobilizing company and contract personnel and equipment to be in place for rapid response to any customer power outages.”
At the same time, Rochow said, it’s advisable for customers to be prepared for this and other winter storms to keep themselves and their family members safe.
“It’s important that we take time to plan for severe weather activity,” Rochow said. “Being prepared can minimize the impact of a storm and help you and your family to stay safe.”
Be Prepared
- 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 5 gallons per person per day) in case your pipes freeze or you loose power.
- Charge electronic devices and cell phones that can be used to report an emergency or check the status of a power outage or local emergency assistance. If possible, have an additional cell phone battery charged to act as a backup.
- Keep flashlights, a portable radio and extra batteries handy. For safety, battery operated lights should be used instead of candles which can cause a fire.
- Keep a complete first-aid kit and a sufficient supply of prescription medications on hand at all times.
- Keep a written list of emergency numbers near your phone. Most hard-wired (non-cordless) phones will still work even in a power outage.
- If you have electrically powered life-support equipment, before a power outage occurs, ask your physician, nurse or equipment supplier about emergency backup.
- 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.
During a Storm
- Stay clear of downed and sagging wires. Treat all downed wires as if they are energized and keep a safe distance. Also make sure children and pets maintain a safe distance. Immediately report downed wires to Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050 or the local law enforcement agency.
- Don’t attempt to repair or remove limbs from lines.
- Please don’t interfere with utility crews while they are working.
- Keep one light “on” so you’ll know when your electricity has been restored.
- If power is lost, switch electronic devices such as cell phones to a power saving mode and keep all non-essential calls to a minimum to prolong battery life.
- If you are leaving the house, turn the main breaker off. This will reduce the chance of appliance damage and safety problems if power is restored while you’re away.
- 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.
If you lose power, report it to Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050 or online at www.consumersenergy.com
After a Storm
- Monitor your local radio station or Consumers Energy’s outage map (www.consumersenergy.com/outagemap) on your mobile device to get the most current information on estimated restoration times. If internet access is not available, you can call Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050.
- If your home loses heat during periods of extreme cold, go to a designated public shelter. To find the nearest shelter in your area, you can use your mobile phone to text SHELTER then your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA). The American Red Cross also has a shelter-locating mobile application available by going to www.RedCross.org on your mobile device.
- Be very careful when attempting to clear debris or tree branches, that there are no power lines entangled. Stay far away from fallen or overhead power lines and do not touch anything they are touching, including tree branches.
- Report downed power lines immediately to 1-800-477-5050 or the local law enforcement agency.
- Avoid traveling through storm-damaged areas which could have downed power lines and other hazards, and could slow down the restoration efforts.
- When it is safe to leave your home, offer to help neighbors who may need special assistance, including infants, the elderly or people with disabilities.
In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to your home or business may have been damaged or torn away from the home. Utility crews will reconnect the wires to your home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or cable. Do not touch any of the equipment. Only visibly check for damage to your mast from a safe distance, after ensuring there are no downed wires nearby.
For more information on storm safety, visit the Consumers Energy website at: www.consumersenergy.com.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( Comments Off )Honoring Utility Workers Safety Awareness Day
It is a privilege people never want to lose; it can be fatal if not handled appropriately; at a certain age we train for it and get licensed to operate this machine. Can you guess what important action this is?
If you answered driving, you are correct!
Fighting the distracted driving battle has struck a chord in the hearts of employees at Consumers Energy. Earlier this year we lost one of our own to a distracted driver. A constant question we ask is “how do we get the public to see us on the road?”
Michigan legislation passed Public Act 296, which increased penalties for drivers that injure or kill anyone in a work zone, including utility workers. Public Acts 268 and 269 were expanded in 2008 because of Andy’s Law.
We have been dedicated to helping battle distracted driving. Today, December 6th, along with the State of Michigan we recognize Utility Workers Safety Awareness Day.
We are asking for your help in this fight against distracted driving, not only on this day, but every day! Utility workers are parents, sisters, brothers, and children. The next time you start your vehicle, please remember “When you Buckle Up, Hang Up!” Distracted driving is a preventative action – let’s all consciously focus on making driving safely our number one priority.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( Comments Off )Hurricane Sandy Preparations
With high winds expected across Michigan as Hurricane Sandy moves west, Consumer Energy is reminding its customers of what to do before, during and after a storm.
The utility is making preparations and staffing additional personnel to respond to any electric service interruptions that may result from the strong winds associated with Hurricane Sandy. While the hurricane’s center is expected to make landfall on the East Coast late Monday, winds from the extremely large storm were beginning to reach Michigan midday Monday.
The utility is keeping most of its service centers open throughout the night Monday to rapidly respond to customer outages caused by the expected high winds. In addition to available company crews, contract and forestry crews have been placed on stand-by status to assist with restoration activities.
“While this is an early start to our winter storm season, it’s important that our customers take time to plan for severe weather activity,” said Garrick Rochow, vice president of energy delivery for the utility. “Being prepared can minimize the impact of a storm and help you and your family to stay safe.”
Consumers Energy offers the following tips to help its customers weather storm-related outages:
Be Prepared
- Keep flashlights and a portable radio handy. Make sure you have fresh batteries. Lanterns and battery-operated lights are a safe alternative to candles.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers near your phone. Most hard-wired and cell phones should still work.
- Some cordless phones operate only with electricity. Keep a cell phone or other phone that works without electricity.
- Become familiar with where your electric circuit box is located and know how to turn your power on and off.
- If you have electrically powered life-support equipment, before a power outage occurs, 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 our 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 are energized and keep a safe distance. Also make sure children and pets maintain a safe distance. Immediately report downed wires to Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050 or the local law enforcement agency.
- Don’t attempt to repair or remove limbs from lines.
- Please don’t interfere with utility crews while they are working.
- Keep one light “on” so you’ll know when your electricity has been restored.
- If you are leaving the house, turn the main breaker off. This will reduce the chance of appliance damage and safety problems if power is restored while you’re 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.
After The 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.
- Stay away from fallen power lines and anything a line may be touching. Report downed power lines immediately to 1-800-477-5050 or the local law enforcement agency.
- 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. Report potential hazards and keep others – especially children – away from fallen trees and power 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 Energy 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 can be obtained by calling 1-800-477-5050. For more information on storm safety, visit the Consumers Energy website at: www.consumersenergy.com/outagecenter.
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