Consumers Energy is preparing for a wind storm expected to sweep across Michigan Monday. They believe gusts of over 50 mph could produce downed wires and power outages.

Consumers Energy reminds the public to stay at least 25 feet away from a downed wire and anything it is touching. Report downed wires by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. Always assume a downed wire, even if not sparking, is energized. CE crews are ready to respond as quickly as possible, to make situations safe and restore power.

Consumers Energy is responsible to repair a downed wire up to the point where it touches your house. If any part of the lead-in to your house is damaged, you will need to call an electrician. That includes the mast.

A Plus Electric is ready to help in your emergency situation. Using your smart phone, press the emergency button at the top of the page on this website or call (517) 529-0000.

You can always get an updated forecast from the main page of this website.

Consumers Energy adds this note of caution to “never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Portable generators should be operated 25 feet outside of any building, away from windows, doors and vents.”

If you lose power, Consumers Energy has an outage page that will show where power is out and restoration times at this link: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter. You can also sign up for free outage alerts.

Because of the COVID-19 situation, Consumers Energy forwards this message. “Consumers Energy is committed to the health and safety of our co-workers, customers and communities as we perform the essential work of restoring our customers’ power. Response crews will be taking COVID-19 precautions such as practicing social distancing in their vehicles and other work locations, completing medical screening prior to their shift and regularly cleaning vehicles and other work surfaces. Residents are asked to stay at least 6 feet from crews and their equipment. During this COVID-19 situation, crews would appreciate if customers would give them a wave from the front door instead of greeting them outside.”