JACKSON, Mich. — Consumers Energy has been working to restore power to those impacted by Thanksgiving snow, but now they say they’re gearing up for this weekend’s heavy snow.
As of Friday, Consumers Energy is “pre-staging” nearly 200 crews across Michigan in preparation of inches of snow that’s expected to fall Saturday and Sunday, according to Consumers Energy in a release.
“We want our customers to know that we continue to stand ready throughout the weekend to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. Our line workers and other field crews are ready to be deployed into impacted communities, and we’re gathering trucks and essential materials to assist with any restoration efforts,” Norm Kapala, Consumers Energy’s vice president of grid operations, said.
According to the National Weather Service, heavy snow is expected over the weekend, with total snow accumulations amounting to between 6-10 inches.
Roads, including bridges and overpasses, will most likely become slick and hazardous, and visibility could drop below a fourth of a mile due to falling snow, the National Weather Service detailed online.
The heaviest snow and worst travel conditions are expected Saturday afternoon and Saturday night.
Ahead of West Michigan’s incoming snow, Consumers Energy customers are encouraged to do the following to prepare:
- Charge all electronic devices. It’s advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available for use during an outage.
- Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, canned food and blankets. Be prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet food if applicable. A battery-operated radio is also a good idea.
- Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.
- Have a food safety plan in case of an outage. If the power goes out while cooking or storing holiday meals, know in advance how long food can remain safe and what steps to take.
Power customers are also encouraged to keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, and to report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
- Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Read more guidance on safe generator use here.
- Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities.Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.
- In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.
More information about preparing for what to do before, during and after a storm can be found on Consumers Energy’s website.