HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — A high-wind advisory will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2020. according to the National Weather Service meteorologists in Grand Rapids.
Wind gusts could reach 50 mph or more, leading to possible scattered power outages when tree limbs and power lines are snapped.
The alert led to Consumers Energy officials releasing a statement indicating the company is prepared to respond as quickly as possible, while protecting the health and safety of workers, customers and communities during power restoration.
Response crews will be taking COVID-19 precautions such as practicing social distancing in their vehicles and other work locations, completing medical screening prior to their shift and regularly cleaning vehicles and other work surfaces, according to the Consumers statement.
Residents are asked to stay at least 6 feet from crews and their equipment — specifically waving from their front doors instead of greeting repair crews outside.
Consumers Energy safety reminders include asking people to
- Stay at least 25 feet away from a downed wire and anything it is touching.
- Report downed wires by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at (800) 477-5050.
- Always assume a downed wire, even if not sparking, is energized.
- Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Portable generators should be operated 25 feet outside of any building, away from windows, doors and vents.
Visit the Consumers Energy Outage Center at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter for the latest on storm restoration times, tips on what customers can do before, during and after a storm and how customers can sign up for free outage alerts.
