REGION – May is nearly half over but summer is just around the corner. Because safety is our top priority, Consumers Energy is sharing the following safety tips designed to help Michigan residents prepare for seasonal thunderstorms, celebrate outdoor activities and complete projects safely.
Storm safety
- Prepare an emergency kit for use in case of severe storms that interrupt electric power. It should include a three-day supply of water, non-perishable food and medicines, flashlights, a portable radio and batteries.
- Use generators safely. Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio, windows or air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, tasteless and deadly gas.
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines – this includes people and pets – and anything they may be touching. Call 9-1-1 to report, then Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
- Before cleaning up damaged trees or branches, make sure power lines aren’t touching them. Never attempt to remove tree limbs from power lines yourself.
- Be alert to crews working along roads. Please “slow down and go around” workers to help keep them safe while they perform important electric and natural gas reliability work.
Celebrate summer safely
- Keep electrical toys and appliances away from water sources such as bathtubs, sinks, pools, hot tubs, etc. Don’t touch electric appliances/toys if you are wet or standing in water. Electricity can travel quickly through the water and may cause electrocution.
- Fly kites, model aircraft drones, etc. in wide open areas to avoid power lines. Should an object get stuck in power lines don’t attempt to retrieve it. Call Consumers Energy or your local utility to report.
- Climbing trees is a favorite activity for many but avoid climbing trees located near power lines because doing so could cause branches to sag and touch those lines.
DIY Project safety
- When using a ladder outside, look up and around to make sure there are no power lines near the area where it will be used. Likewise, when moving large/tall objects like RVs and boats with masts, be sure to check for the presence of overhead power lines first.
- Any digging project – large or small – should start with a call to MISS DIG 811 or www.missdig.org at three working days in advance of using power digging equipment as well as shovels, picks or other hand tools. This will help protect those digging and underground utilities.
For more safety tips please visit https://www.consumersenergy.com/community/safety
Leave a Comment
