DTE Energy: 42K still without power

DETROIT – DTE Energy says 42,000 remain without power in southeast Michigan after strong summer storms swept through on Sunday. 

The majority of the outages are in:
Oakland County:  29,000
Macomb County: 6,000

Wayne County:  3,000

"It sounded like a hurricane or a tornado or something. It was very, very gusty. I couldn't see outside the windows. It was so dark," said West Bloomfield resident Ester Johnson.

The winds brought down trees on homes, roads and power lines.

Tree trimming companies are making the rounds.

Richard Torres is a sale's agent for Walnut Tree.

"Usually weak trees and everything come down, most of the time because they're decayed, too old, decayed on the interior," Torres said.

The utility company said crews are working 16-hour shifts around the clock to restore service; about 300 linemen from Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin were called in for Monday and Tuesday.

DTE Energy offers this power outage map to help customers track outages.

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

Storm safety 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.