Detroit Edison Offers Customers Spring Storm Tips
April 25 2007 - 3:49PM
PR Newswire (US)
DETROIT, April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Damaging spring storms that can
disrupt electrical service to homes and businesses are a fact of
life in Michigan. Detroit Edison continually prepares for
unavoidable storm outages to ensure service is restored as quickly
as possible. There are steps customers can take as well to make
sure they're prepared for -- and stay safe -- during storm-related
power outages. Detroit Edison offers the following tips and
suggestions: What to do before a storm -- Assemble an emergency kit
that is easily accessible. It should include a battery-powered
radio or television, a flashlight with extra batteries, candles and
matches or a lighter, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled
water, non-perishable food and a can opener. -- Keep a corded or
cell phone on hand because cordless telephones need electricity to
operate. Learn how to manually open automated garage doors. --
Customers who depend on electrically powered medical equipment
should ask their physician about a battery back-up system. If a
customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be
adversely impacted by a power outage, he or she should develop an
emergency plan that allows for alternative accommodations with
family or friends. -- Customers who depend on a well for drinking
water should have bottled water on hand. What to do during a storm
-- Stay at least 10 feet away from downed power lines and anything
they may be touching, especially metal fences. Treat every downed
power line as if it were energized. Keep children and pets out of
the area. -- Downed power lines should be reported immediately to
Detroit Edison at (800) 477-4747 so the hazard can be assessed and
marked off until repair crews arrive. -- Customers should report
power outages through Detroit Edison's automated system at (800)
477-4747 or online at my.dteenergy.com/storm from a location with
power. Don't assume the company knows your power is out. After a
power outage is reported, Detroit Edison can assess the extent of
the damage and dispatch crews to make the necessary repairs. -- If
you lose power, don't open refrigerators and 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. Partially thawed food or food that has ice crystals
usually can be refrozen. -- Never use a gas range for heating, or
charcoal as an indoor heating or cooking source. -- 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 using a portable generator, disconnect house
circuits from Detroit Edison power lines. Pull or switch to "off"
all main fuses or circuit breakers to protect line crews working to
restore service. Always operate generators outdoors to avoid
dangerous buildup of toxic fumes. -- During low-voltage conditions
-- when lights are dim and television pictures are smaller - shut
off motor-driven appliances such as refrigerators to prevent
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. Where to
find restoration information Storm updates and restoration
information can be obtained by: -- Calling Detroit Edison's
automated phone system at (800) 477-4747. -- Listening to local
radio and television stations. -- Visiting the utility's web site
at mydteenergy.com/storm. DATASOURCE: Detroit Edison CONTACT:
Eileen Dixon, +1-313-235-9154, or Lorie Kessler, +1-313-235-8807,
both of Detroit Edison Web site: http://www.dteenergy.com/
http://mydteenergy.com/storm
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