When winter sets in, DTE Energy is committed to helping you and your family stay safe and warm in the event of extreme weather events. Wet snow can be a factor in bringing down trees and their limbs into our power lines, but an even bigger problem is from high winds combined with ice buildup. Just a half inch of ice can add more than five hundred pounds of weight to a power line—that’s about the weight of a baby grand piano! Here are things to consider when extreme weather strikes during the winter season:
Electric power safety tips:
- Look up to know what’s down. Spotting a downed power line isn’t always easy, especially in the winter. Wires can become concealed between trees and tree branches, beneath snow, ice or in tall weeds and grass. Look up at power lines to better position yourself to identify any hidden dangers.
- Stay a school bus length away. Consider all power lines energized and stay at least 25 feet away – that’s about the length of a school bus – from them and anything they may come in contact with. Remember, not all power lines arc, smoke or buzz. A silent, seemingly lifeless black wire can still deliver a deadly shock and can energize the ground and objects around it.
- Call it in. Once you’re out of harm’s way, call 9-1-1 or contact DTE at 800.477.4747 to report the downed power line. Don’t assume someone else has done so already. By reporting the issue promptly, you’ll help DTE identify a potential public safety hazard quickly so we can prioritize our response.
Visit dteenergy.com/wiresafety for more info about how to be safe around electricity.
Family safety tips
- Prepare now for potential extreme weather in winter by making sure you have an Emergency Outage Kit stocked with food, water, medication, batteries, and other items of necessity.
- Keep space heaters away from flammable objects and curtains, and always turn them off before leaving your home.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by never running a generator inside your home, garage or other enclosed building. Install CO detectors on a wall or ceiling near all sleeping areas of your home to detect the presence of carbon monoxide.
- Be careful on snowy or icy walkways and be sure to check on elderly or handicapped neighbors.
- Check the latest traffic conditions and use major streets or highways when possible as these roadways will be cleared first.
- Should a power outage occur, report it immediately on the DTE Outage Center mobile app or at outage.dteenergy.com. Use flashlights (such as LED flashlights that can be very bright) instead of candles to reduce the risk of fire.
- Never plug extension cords into one another, do not overload them, and make sure you check to see if they are rated for indoor or outdoor use.
- Never leave electrical holiday decorations on while sleeping or away from home. Remove and store the decorations after the holidays.
DTE Energy believes keeping these timely tips “front of mind” will help ensure that you and yours enjoy the rest of our brisk Michigan winter season safely.