Here are some tips to help you prepare in the event that severe storms cause a power outage.
Assemble an emergency kit in advance. It should include...
- Battery-powered radio or television. The news media will provide updates on when electricity will be restored
- Flashlights or battery-operated lanterns
- Extra batteries
- Candles with holders
- Matches
- Bottled water
- Manual can opener
- Nonperishable food
- Disposable plates and utensils
- Wind-up or battery-powered clock
- Corded telephone. Cordless phones don't work when the power goes out and your cell phone may not work if cell towers are affected
Make a list of emergency phone numbers
Keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy. Include DTE Energy's toll-free number, 800.477.4747. Call this number and use our automated system to report power outages or downed wires.
You may also report your outage online from a location that has power.
Other storm preparedness tips
- If you use electrically powered life-support equipment, ask your doctor about emergency battery backup systems.
- Protect sensitive electronic equipment, such as computers, televisions and other devices, with surge suppressors.
- Make sure you know how to safely reset your circuit breaker or change fuses. Keep extra fuses on hand.
- If a well is your source for water, plan ahead to determine how you will get drinking water. Store containers of water for cooking and washing.
- Know how to open your garage door manually if it is equipped with an automatic opener.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers additional emergency preparedness tips. Call 800.480.2520 or visit fema.gov.
During an extended power outage…
- Unplug all motor-driven appliances (refrigerators and freezers), heat-producing appliances (stoves, curling irons, etc.) and sensitive electronic equipment (televisions, stereos and computers) to minimize the danger of fire and to prevent an electrical overload when power is restored. Leave one light on so you'll know when power is restored.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. If power will be out for a long time, contact a dry ice distributor. Find a local dry ice distributor in your phone book or online at yellowpages.com.
