|
 |
| Working Safely After Storms |
|
| Everyone’s resources have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can help prevent locate delays by pre-marking your proposed dig area in white and notifying 811 of your planned excavation with as much lead time as possible: up to 14 calendar days in Michigan. To learn more about Consumers Energy’s response to COVID-19, click here. |
|
|
| As storms approach, we are advised to “hunker down” or “shelter in place” for safety. Storms can be unpredictable and may cause structural damage, placing you and other workers at risk. Follow these tips to protect yourself and others when working with generators and near downed wires in stormy conditions and storm-damaged areas. |
| Order our complimentary worker safety training kit on the Consumers Energy Work Safe website. |
|
|
|
|
| Stay Away from Downed Wires |
| If you see a downed wire, assume it is energized and dangerous. Always remember to stay far away from downed power lines and anything they are contacting, including the ground nearby. Avoid walking and driving through floodwaters, as they may hide downed power lines. Report any downed or sagging wires to 911 immediately. |
| Learn How to React if a Wire Falls on Your Vehicle |
| If a wire comes down on or near your vehicle, call 911 and stay inside until utility workers tell you to exit. Warn bystanders to stay far away—anyone who touches the vehicle or even comes close to it could be severely injured or even killed. |
| If you must get out due to fire or other danger, use a vehicle door that is free of anything in contact with the ground (such as a tree or fire hydrant) and take these steps: |
| 1. |
Jump clear without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. |
| 2. |
Avoid any wires on the ground. |
| 3. |
Land with your feet together, being careful not to fall back against the vehicle. |
| 4. |
Shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet close together and on the ground at all times. |
|
|
| Disconnect Utilities Before Major Repair Work |
| If the job involves demolition or major repairs or renovation to a structure with active electric or gas service, contact Consumers Energy well in advance of starting work to arrange for the utility lines and meters to be properly disconnected. |
| • |
Do NOT start work until Consumers Energy says it is safe to do so. |
|
|
| Use Generators Safely |
| To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, use generators outdoors in open areas only and away from doors, windows and vents. If a CO alarm sounds, evacuate the structure immediately and seek fresh air outdoors. |
| NEVER plug a generator into a wall outlet. Power can energize utility lines, making them unsafe for repair crews and possibly delaying power restoration. |
| Would You Like to Know More? |
| Additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos and training tools can all be found, at no charge to you, on Consumers Energy’s website. |
|
