HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Consumers Energy officials, Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker, and the county’s emergency manager, Nick Bontelle, have all issued weather-related advice for area residents.
The National Weather Service issued a winter-storm warning, in effect from 1 a.m. Saturday through 11 a.m. Sunday. Area residents can expect heavy mixed precipitation, with snow and sleet accumulations of up to 3 inches and ice accumulations from one quarter to three quarters of an inch. At the same time, gusting northeast winds could hit 45 mph.
Consumers Energy officials issued a statement saying the effects of the storm could be devastating, because of the weight of ice on utility wires, coupled with the wind gusts.
Consumers Energy reminds the public 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 arcing and sparking, is energized.
Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker reminds drivers to treat intersections where the signals are out as four-way stops.
Ottawa County Emergency Manager Nick Bonstell said in a statement emailed to media that the main areas of concern will be power outages, downed trees and wires, with more traffic crashes.
He encourages everyone to create a Smart 911 profit, using the website or the app (works on Android or Apple devices): www.smart911.com, which allows emergency responders to know your emergency contacts, address, and any special medical information should they be summoned.
Be ready for outages, Bonstell said, offering the following tips:
- Power outages occur often in ice storms. Have flashlights, extra batteries, and a 72-hour supply of food, water, and medicine available to your family and pets.
- If you use a generator, ensure that it is properly installed and vented away from structures. Install a carbon monoxide detector in the house to ensure no CO is entering the structure.
- Slow down when travelling; pack a winter survival kit in your vehicle.
- Make sure your cell phones are fully charged at all times.
Call 911 for emergencies, or 211 for non-emergency assistance.
Ottawa County Emergency Management and the Red Cross are ready to open emergency shelters if need arises.
Learn more by following Ottawa County Emergency Management on Facebook at #OttawaEM, and signing up for alerts through SMART 911.
