With high winds expected Wednesday, utilities are scrambling to be prepared. Consumers Energy spokesperson Brian Wheeler says even though it’s a holiday week, the company’s crews will be ready.
“Right now, we’re looking at severe weather, high winds with gusts of 50 to 60 miles per hour that could come to the west side of the state Wednesday afternoon,” Wheeler said. “If that happens, there is a chance of power outages. As soon as it’s safe for our crews to get into the field and get to work, they will and we’ll get back to work restoring power as fast as we can.”
Wheeler says you have to be careful about downed power lines.
“We always encourage people to imagine that if they see a downed power line, just to believe that it’s energized until they know otherwise, and if you do see a downed power line in that situation, please call 911.”
After you call 911, call the electric company. Wheeler also notes some people use generators when there’s a power outage, and it’s important the generator be kept outside and away from any building. If you buy one, read the instruction manual before using it.
