Safety Tips and Preparation | Consumers Energy

Storm Readiness

Stay in the Know with Outage Alerts

Before the storm comes, sign up for outage alerts to keep you informed of what’s going on. Alerts can be sent through email, text and a phone call.
Keep a List of Important Phone Numbers Handy

Keep emergency contact information and important numbers somewhere easy to find.
Make a Plan for Outages of Different Durations

Plan what to do if an outage lasts for more than a few hours. It's a good idea to make separate plans for outages that last a day or two, or those that might last longer.
Avoid Fly-Away Hazards

If it's safe to do so, bring in outdoor furniture. It can blow away and cause damage during high winds. Anchor large objects such as grills.
Have Your Flashlights Ready and Available

Make sure to keep flashlights in a well-known place where you can find them.

Supplies Prep

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Create a preparedness kit for your car and home. Things to include: Water and canned food, plus a manual can opener. Blankets, flashlights and batteries and a battery-operated radio are also a good idea.
Keep Batteries on Hand

Keep the appropriate batteries on hand for flashlights, phones and other devices.
Stock Clean Water for Drinking and Sanitation.

If a storm might affect your water supply, fill containers with safe drinking water. Fill the bathtub with water to use for cleaning and sanitation.
Stock Your Pantry

Keep non-perishable food items, a manual can opener and plenty of bottled water on hand.
Stock Up on Gas

If severe weather is coming, it is a good idea to have at least a half tank of gas in your car. Keep an extra container of gas somewhere safe where you can access it in an emergency.

Protect Your Equipment

Protect Your Equipment from Power Surges

Unplug electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Make sure to also turn your power strips off.
For Life-Support Equipment, Prepare with Emergency Power

If someone in your home relies on life-support equipment, be prepared. Install a generator to provide emergency power, and enroll in the American Red Cross Identification Program.
Know How to Manually Operate Devices like Garage Door Openers

Review the process for manually operating your electric garage door and other devices you may need.
Provide Back-up Power for Critical Equipment

If you have equipment that cannot be disrupted for even short periods, be sure to use an uninterruptible power supply or a generator.

Be Ready

Make Sure Your Phone has Plenty of Power

Always have an emergency battery or charging station around to use during an outage. Conserve phone batteries by reducing screen brightness and using “airplane” mode.
Keep Track of Your Estimated Time of Restoration

Once you have reported an outage to us, it’s easy to return to the online Outage Center and check on your Estimated Time of Restoration. Restoration times are based on an estimated time of when your power might be back on. This may change as new information becomes available, like when crews on the ground have looked into the situation.
During Storms, Phone Networks get Busy, so Try to Limit Calls to Emergencies Only.

During a storm, please limit phone calls for emergencies only. That helps keep network congestion down so we can focus on bringing back power quickly and safely. Rather than calling us, you can get outage alerts sent to you whenever there is an update. Sign up for outage alerts.
Prevent Frozen or Burst Water Pipes

Let faucets drip a little to help prevent pipes from freezing. Prepare for cold weather by insulating your pipes.
Keep Food Cold During Outages

Food will stay cold in a closed fridge for up to 24 hours, and for up to 48 hours in a freezer.

Safety

Don’t Play with Fire. Skip the candles.

Don't use candles during a storm, as they can be a major fire hazard.
Leave the Light on for Us

Keep your porch light switched on so crews can see when power is restored. Leave an indoor lamp turned on so you will know when your power is back on.
Know How to Safely Use Your Generator

Generators can be great to have during an outage, but they can also be dangerous - to you, and to our repair crews. Read and follow our tips for safe generator operation.
Stay Off the Roads During Dangerous Weather

Don't travel unless it's an emergency. By not travelling, it helps keep roads clear for our crews and helps you avoid hazardous areas.
Avoid Fly-Away Hazards

If it's safe to do so, bring in outdoor furniture. It can blow away and cause damage during high winds. Anchor large objects such as grills.

What to Do After a Storm

Leave the Light on for Us

Keep your porch light switched on so crews can see when power is restored. Leave an indoor lamp turned on so you will know when your power is back.
Be Sure Your Food is Safe After an Outage

Visit www.foodsafety.gov to learn about food safety guidelines. Be sure to throw away food that has become unsafe.
Check Electronics and Appliances Once Power is Back On

Reset programmed clocks, thermostats and appliances. Check major appliances to make sure they are working properly.
Keep Food Cold During Outages

Food will stay cold in a closed fridge for up to 24 hours, and for up to 48 hours in a freezer.
Monitor and Report Damage

If it's safe to do so, check for damage to the mast that holds the electric service wires to your business or to the electric box. Report any damage.
Assume Downed Power Wires are Dangerous

Stay 25 feet away from a fallen wire and anything it's touching. If a wire falls on your car, stay inside until help arrives.

Be Well-Prepared with Our Storm Safety Tips