Detroit Edison Offers Customers Spring Storm Tips
April 08 2008 - 10:43AM
PR Newswire (US)
DETROIT, April 8, 2008 /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 20 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 http://www.mydteenergy.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 http://www.mydteenergy.com/storm .
DATASOURCE: Detroit Edison CONTACT: Eileen Dixon, +1-313-235-9154,
or Lorie Kessler, +1-313-235-8807, Detroit Edison Web site:
http://www.dteenergy.com/ http://www.my.dteenergy.com/storm
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