JACKSON, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Consumers Energy is preparing for hazardous storms and potentially powerful 50 to 60 mph wind gusts that are expected to impact southwest Michigan, the Grand Rapids area, and the Lakeshore starting Saturday night, July 23, and into Sunday morning, July 24.
Some of these strong thunderstorms may result in power outages, downed wires and other safety hazards.
The Consumers Energy Storm Restoration Team has been monitoring this developing storm for several days and is ready to respond. Crews are preparing trucks and other essential materials and being pre-staged in areas where thunderstorms are expected to hit.
Preparation tips for what to do before, during and after a storm, can be found at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter. Here customers also can visit the online outage map, report an outage and sign up to receive power restoration updates.
Some preparation tips for potential severe weather include:
- Charging all electronic devices. It’s advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available for use during an outage.
- Having an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, canned food and blankets. Being prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet food if applicable. A battery-operated radio is also a good idea.
- Unplugging sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.
Consumers Energy also urges the public to keep these important storm safety tips in mind for after the storm:
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed wires, keep children or pets away, and report the issue by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. Consumers Energy crews are taking extra health and safety precautions because of the COVID-19 situation and asks the public to keep at least six feet of distance from its crews
- 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.
- Be alert to crews working along roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.
