The Warren Sun

Rain, heavy snowfall, bitter cold and high winds are in the current forecast for southeast Michigan beginning, Thursday, Dec. 22.

This winter weather event may cause power outages across the country, including here in southeast Michigan.

Please keep the safety of you and your loved one’s top of mind by remembering THESE tips in case of power interruption during the coming winter storm:

• Report your outage immediately at outage.dteenergy.com or on the DTE Mobile app.

• Beware of ALL possible downed power lines. Report them immediately at outage.dteenergy.com, on the DTE Energy Mobile app, or by calling DTE at 800.477.4747. If there’s an immediate emergency, dial 9-1-1.

• Stay at least 20 feet away from any downed power lines and make sure that you and your family, pets and neighbors don’t touch anything that it touches. Assume all downed power lines are live and dangerous. Coming in contact, including touching it with an object like a broom or shovel, can result in serious injuries.

• NEVER cross yellow barrier tape surrounding the area of a downed power line.

• Never use a portable generator inside a home or business. It emits carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Keep it outside, away from windows and doors, so the fumes won’t come in. It’s also unsafe to heat your home using a gas stove as a heating source.  Many propane heaters are approved for indoor use, but make sure you read the instructions for their safe operation very carefully.

• Assemble an emergency kit. It should include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and candles, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled water and non-perishable food. 

• People who depend on electrically powered medical equipment should ask their physician about an emergency battery back-up system.

• Avoid opening your refrigerator unless necessary. A modern refrigerator that loses power can keep your perishables cool for 12 hours or more when it remains shut.

• Make sure that you dress for the weather. Hypothermia can kill within minutes and exposure to cold and wind is dangerous without proper winter gear.

• Keep travel for emergencies only. Give road crews a chance to salt and plow the roads before venturing out, and make sure if you do need to travel that you always have an emergency kit with you. Ensure that you give yourself plenty of extra time to reach your destination and plenty of extra stopping distance when around other traffic.

• DO try to check on the safety of loved ones, along with any friends and neighbors who are vulnerable. You may be helping save a life.

For more information and resources, please visit:https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather or https://newlook.dteenergy.com/.../safety/safety-center

Original source can be found here.