DETROIT – DTE has released a series of safety tips after this week’s wind storm knocked out power to over 800,000 DTE customers.
During a Friday afternoon news conference, DTE President and CEO Jerry Norcia said the company's restoration team is fully mobilized and working around the clock.
Recommended Videos
That includes 1,500 line workers, 950 of which are from out of state. About 1,000 tree trimmers are at work, 250 of which are from out of state.
Here are some safety tips recommended by DTE:
To report a downed wire:
- Anyone who sees a downed wire can call DTE at 800-477-4747 to report power outages or downed lines regardless if they are a DTE customer or not.
To keep warm, warming centers have been established across the state:
- With massive power outages around Southeast Michigan and temperatures set to drop, ClickOnDetroit has a list of warming centers across the Metro Detroit area.
- You can find more warming centers here.
For those with medical needs who may need assistance during the outage:
- Call United Way's 2-1-1 crisis hotline. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will help callers find local resources for their medical needs.
- Call 9-1-1 if it is urgent or life-threatening.
During drops in temperature, take a moment to protect your home from potential expensive damages. DTE recommends:
- Running water, even at a trickle, to help prevent pipes from freezing.
- All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
VIEW OUTAGE MAP: DTE power outages by ZIP code
DTE also reminds homeowners to drain their pipes by locating the main water shut-off valve and turning the knob in the “off” position.
After the valve is turned off, turn on every water fixture until water stops running. DTE also recommends to open all faucets and flush all toilets in the house, starting with the top floor (if you have a two-story home), and work your way down.
“Safety is always a priority. Customers should stay at least 20 feet away from all power lines and anything they may contact, and consider them live. They are extremely dangerous,” said Eric Younan, DTE spokesperson. “Treat every downed power line as if it is energized. Customers should also heed the warning of yellow caution tape, which indicates there is a downed power line in the area. Do not cross the yellow tape.”
As of 7 a.m. Saturday, 243,000 customers are still without power, according to DTE.
About 90 percent of DTE's customers should have power by Sunday night, the company said.