HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – Less than a week after a Christmas Eve windstorm cut power to more than 188,000 Consumers Energy customers, Mother Nature is throwing an ice storm our way.
Ottawa and Allegan counties as well as all of West Michigan are under a Winter Storm Warning from 10 a.m. this morning to 6 a.m. Tuesday morning. Sleet and freezing rain will begin about noon today and last until tomorrow morning.
Consumers Energy officials offer the following advice as the storm approaches:
· 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 young 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 lose power.
· Charge electronic devices and cell phones that can be used to report an emergency or check the status of a power outage. If possible, have an additional cell phone battery charged and ready for a backup. If electric service is interrupted, switch cell phones and similar electronic devices to a power saving mode and keep all non-essential calls to a minimum to prolong battery life.
· 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 still will work even in a power outage.
· If you have electric powered life-support equipment, before a power outage occurs, ask your physician, nurse or equipment supplier about emergency backup.
· If using a generator, contact a licensed electrician to ensure that it is properly connected and make certain it is isolated from the company’s electric distribution system. Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement or near any air intakes, and never fuel a generator when it is running.
· Downed power lines can be deadly. Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and anything a downed line might be touching and to immediately call 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050.
Customers are encouraged to visit ConsumerEnergy.com/outagecenter for tips and outage maps as well as updates. Customers can also call 1-800-477-5050.
Business customers can now sign up to receive outage alerts. Just text REG to 232272 (CECARE) and provide your account number when prompted.
