Storm update- July 22, 2019
We remain on target to restore power to 80 percent of customers who were impacted by the second largest storm in our company’s history by end of today. We have restored power to approximately 400,000 customers and 200,000 customers remain without power following two waves of severe weather that whipped through southeast Michigan Friday and Saturday.
Nearly 900 out of state line workers have joined more than 1,100 DTE and local contract workers to support our restoration efforts.
The safety of our customers is our top priority. We have addressed nearly half of the more than 2,500 downed wires since Friday. We urge you to share with your family and friends the importance of downed wire safety. Remind them to look up to know what’s down, assume that any fallen line is energized and stay at least 20 feet away.
Please share this important safety information with friends, neighbors and family.
DTE wants to remind customers to exercise caution, staying at least 20 feet away from all power lines and anything with which they come in contact. They are extremely dangerous. Treat every downed power line as if it were energized. Customers should also heed the warning of yellow caution tape, which indicates there is a downed power line in the area. DO NOT CROSS YELLOW CAUTION TAPE. 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.
Storm tips:
• Always operate generators outdoors to avoid dangerous buildup of toxic fumes.
• Don’t open refrigerators or freezers more often than absolutely necessary. A closed refrigerator will stay cold for 12 hours. Kept closed, a well-filled freezer will preserve food for two days.
• Turn off or unplug all appliances to prevent an electrical overload when power is restored. Leave on one light switch to indicate when power is restored.
• If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should try to make alternative accommodations with family or friends.
• During low-voltage conditions – when lights are dim and television pictures are smaller – shut off motor-driven appliances such as refrigerators to prevent overheating and possible damage. Sensitive electronic devices also should be unplugged.
• Stay out of flooded or damp basements or other areas if water is in contact with outlets or any electrically-operated appliance. The water or moisture may serve as a conductor of electricity. This can cause serious or even fatal injury.
________________________________________