More than 155K DTE customers without power after severe weather in southeast Michigan
(CBS DETROIT) - Severe weather on Wednesday in Michigan is causing thousands of power outages.
To protect safety in storm damaged areas, we assign people 24/7 to identify and secure down wires. Never go past caution tape and stay 25 feet away from a downed wire and anything in contact with them. Stay safe, everyone. https://t.co/rOPDvq9vM2
— DTE_Energy (@DTE_Energy) July 26, 2023
As of 11 p.m. Wednesday, more than 155,000 DTE Energy customers were without power and more than 29,000 Consumers Energy customers did not have power.
READ: NEXT Weather Alert Day: Thunderstorm watch issued for all of southeast Michigan until 7 p.m.
DTE urges residents to follow these safety tips with downed lines:
- Safety for the community is always DTE's top priority. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris, so be careful as you head outside. Remember a power line doesn't always spark, make noise or jump around. It could lay on the ground like a stick or snake.
- Stay at least one bus length (25 feet) away from downed power lines and don't touch anything they may be in contact with – always consider them live and dangerous.
- Everyone should also heed the warning of yellow caution tape, which indicates there is a downed power line in the area. Do not cross yellow caution tape.
- Never use a portable generator inside a home or business. It emits carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Keep it outside, away from windows and doors, so the fumes won't come in.