Utility crews work to wrap up power restoration in Michigan

DTE expects most power restored by Monday night

DETROIT – Crews are working to wrap up power restoration after weekend storms knocked out electrical service to tens of thousands of Michigan homes and businesses.

Detroit-based DTE Energy Co. says about 19,000 of its customers were without power Monday morning. It says about 158,000 of the homes and businesses it serves lost power in Saturday's storms, which brought heavy rains and high winds in the Lower Peninsula.

Outages are scattered throughout southeastern Michigan, including 16,000 DTE customers in Wayne County and 4,000 in Oakland County. DTE says some small clusters of customers and individual service problems won't be dealt with until Tuesday.

Jackson-based CMS Energy Corp. says about 4,000 of its customers were affected and almost all were back online by early Sunday.

Take a look at DTE Energy's Outage Map here.

Call DTE Energy at 800-477-4747 to report an outage.

DTE said customers should stay away from any downed lines and anything they come in contact with, and to keep an eye out for children and pets.

Storm tips:

Never drive across a downed power line. If a power line falls on your vehicle, remain inside until help arrives.

Don't open refrigerators or freezers more often than absolutely necessary. A closed refrigerator will stay cold for 12 hours. Kept closed, a well-filled freezer will preserve food for two days.

Turn off or unplug all appliances to prevent an electrical overload when power is restored. Leave on one light switch to indicate when power is restored.

Always operate generators outdoors to avoid dangerous buildup of toxic fumes.

If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should try to make alternative accommodations with family or friends.

During low-voltage conditions – when lights are dim and television pictures are smaller – shut off motor-driven appliances such as refrigerators to prevent overheating and possible damage. Sensitive electronic devices also should be unplugged.

Stay out of flooded or damp basements or other areas if water is in contact with outlets or any electrically-operated appliance. The water or moisture may serve as a conductor of electricity. This can cause serious or even fatal injury.

Assemble an emergency kit. It should include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and candles, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled water and non-perishable food.

Customers who depend on electrically powered medical equipment should ask their physician about an emergency battery back-up system. If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should develop an emergency plan that allows for alternative accommodations with family or friends.

Keep a corded or cell phone on hand because a cordless telephone needs electricity to operate. Also, customers should learn how to manually open automated garage doors.

Customers who depend on a well for drinking water need to plan ahead on how they will obtain water. Store containers of water for cooking and washing.

Â