HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — High winds Friday, May 4, 2018, cut power to some 88,000 Consumers Energy customers, according to a company statement emailed to media.
WHTC listeners reported seen tumbled-over trash cans, while others reported downed trees. Consumers’ statement indicated that 1,300 employees and contractors will be working around the clock to restore power.
Restorations efforts may be hampered by continued high winds, according to the utility, which indicated customers should expect to be without power until noon Sunday.]
Counties hardest hit by the high wind interruptions include: Genesee, 17,855; Monroe, 10,496; Saginaw, 10,481 and Kent, 9,985, according to the utility company.
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our customers as we work as quickly and safely as possible to restore service,” Guy Packard, vice president of electric operations, said in the statement. “We encourage the public to be safe, and watch for repair crews working along roads into the night.”
Safety tips from Consumers Energy include:
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and keep children and pets away. Watch for downed lines when clearing fallen limbs and debris. Call 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 to report downed wires.
- If operating a generator be aware that improper use may produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement or near any air intakes, and never fuel a generator when it is running.
- Be alert to crews working along roads and “slow down and go around.” Drivers are urged to slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear then safely pass workers on roadsides.
- Customers can sign up to get outage alerts and restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message. Text ‘REG’ to 232273 or visit: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts. Customers can also report an outage, check the status of an outage and get useful tips about what to do before, during and after a storm by visiting www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter.
- To view specific counties and regions most affected by electric interruptions, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageMap.
