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UpNorthLive's Facebook fans voted to hear more on how to prepare for a storm.  Consumers Energy offers the following tips to help keep people safe in storm-related outages:

Be Prepared

· Keep flashlights and a portable radio handy. Make sure you have fresh batteries. Lanterns and battery-operated lights are a safe alternative to candles.

· Keep a list of emergency numbers near your phone. Most hard-wired and cell phones should still work.

· Some cordless phones operate only with electricity. Keep a cell phone or other phone that works without electricity.

· Become familiar with where your electric circuit box is located and know how to turn your power on and off.

· If you have electrically powered life-support equipment, before a power outage occurs, ask your physician, nurse or equipment supplier about emergency backup.

· If you have a generator, you must have a transfer switch installed in your fuse box by a licensed electrician, for the safety and protection of our line workers.

· Keep a supply of canned food and, if you have an infant, baby formula. Make sure you have a manual can opener.

· Keep a complete first-aid kit and a sufficient supply of prescription medications on hand at all times.

During A Storm

· Stay clear of downed and sagging wires. Treat all downed wires as if they are energized and keep a safe distance. Also make sure children and pets maintain a safe distance. Immediately report downed wires to your service provider or the local law enforcement agency.

· Don't attempt to repair or remove limbs from lines.

· Please don't interfere with utility crews while they are working.

· Unplug or turn off all appliances that run continually or operate automatically. This includes your furnace, refrigerator, computer, stove, water heater, TV, VCR, DVD and microwave. This can prevent them from being damaged if a voltage surge occurs when power is restored.

· Keep one light "on" so you'll know when your electricity has been restored.

· If you are leaving the house, turn the main breaker off. This will reduce the chance of appliance damage and safety problems if power is restored while you're away.

· Before removing damaged trees or branches, check closely to make sure no lines are touching them.

· Draw blinds and shades over your windows. That will prevent glass from shattering into your home if the window should break due to blown objects or large hail.

· Unplug and avoid using electrical appliances. Avoid using the telephone. If lightning strikes, telephone lines and other wires can conduct electricity. Leaving lights on, however, does not increase the chance of your home being struck by lightning.

· Avoid taking a bath or shower. In fact, avoid running water for any reason. Metal pipes and plumbing will conduct electricity in the event of a lightning strike.

· Turn off and unplug your air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor and cause costly damage.

What To Do After The Storm Passes

· Continue listening to local radio or television stations or monitoring the local newspaper for updated information and instructions.

· Avoid traveling to or through storm-damaged areas if possible. You may be putting yourself at risk or hampering restoration efforts.

· Stay away from fallen power lines and anything a line may be touching. Report downed power lines to your electric company or the local law enforcement agency.

· Be cautious around storm-damaged brush, branches and trees where wires may be entangled.

· Survey your property for any visible damage and possible lingering effects of the storm, such as hanging branches or sagging lines.

· Report potential hazards and keep others - especially children - away from fallen trees and power lines.

· Offer to help neighbors who may need special assistance: infants, the elderly or people with disabilities.

· Arrange for clean up on your property of any debris. Consumers Energy will take care of pole or wire replacement and clean up, but tree and other debris can pose a hazard and should be removed promptly by the homeowner.

· Restoration information can be obtained by contacting your service provider.

Cherryland Electric

Cherryland Electric Facebook 

Cherryland Electric Twitter

Consumers Energy website. 

 Consumers Energy Facebook

Presque Isle Electric

Traverse City Light & Power 

Wolverine Power 

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