(WXYZ) — DTE Energy is warning customers about the possibility of severe storms starting late Tuesday through Wednesday in Southeast Michigan.
RELATED: Two rounds of severe weather heading to metro Detroit
Storm chances will increase after 8 p.m., according to 7 First Alert meteorologists. Michiganders should expect heavy rain and a few strong storms after midnight through 4 a.m.
DTE crews are on standby in expectation of a "significant number of power outages," a release states.
"Our crews are on standby and are ready to respond should high winds cause outages," DTE says. "Due to the pandemic, we are taking extra measures to keep people safe, including practicing social distancing and washing our equipment between jobs."
Here are tips DTE says consumers should take:
- Charge all mobile devices now and have extra battery packs on hand
- Assemble an emergency kit, including flashlights, candles, a battery-powered radio, bottled water and non-perishable food
- To keep your food safe if there is an outage, please review this link [foodsafety.gov] for more information.
If power goes out:
- Stay at least 20 feet away from a downed power line. If you suspect a downed line, report it immediately through our mobile app, website or by calling us at 800.477.4747 and be sure to keep your family and pets away. Do not drive over downed lines, and know what to do if one falls on your vehicle [empoweringmichigan.com].
- Never use a portable generator inside your home. It emits carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Keep it outside, away from windows and doors so the fumes won’t come in.
- Find more safety tips at dteenergy.com/safety [newlook.dteenergy.com].
DTE adds that because of the COVID-19 outbreak, consumers should refrain from calling customer service except in an emergency, such as a downed power line.
