With frigid temperatures sweeping the state, DTE is reminding customers that warming centers are available to provide relief from the cold. Each location is subject to availability and capacity restrictions – please call in advance for current information and only travel if the conditions are safe.
Find a warm place near you or call 2-1-1 for support – including transportation options through Ride United.
Oakland County Warming Centers
Washtenaw County Winter Warming Centers
What should I do if my power is out?
- Please let DTE know right away. Report it at the online DTE Outage Center, in the DTE app, or by calling 800.477.4747. You can choose how you’d like to receive updates on your restoration status – by phone, text or email.
When will DTE restore my power?
- DTE crews is working to restore power to all customers as quickly and safely as possible, and won’t stop until everyone is restored. As soon as we assess storm damage we will provide estimated restoration times at the online DTE Outage Center and in the DTE app.
Where can I go for additional help?
- If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
- Call 211 for help with urgent needs such as food and shelter.
What if I see a downed power line?
- If you see a downed power line, assume it is live and dangerous and stay at least one bus length (25 feet) from it.
- Beware that fallen lines may be buried in snow and you may stumble across one without knowing. Remember to “Look up to know what’s down.”
- If a power line falls on your vehicle, call 911 and remain inside until help arrives.
- NEVER drive across a downed power line.
How can I stay safe while using a portable generator?
- Never use a portable generator inside. It emits carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
- Keep it outside, away from windows and doors, so the fumes won’t come in.
We have life-essential medical equipment that requires power. What do we do?
- If someone in the home requires electricity for life-essential medical equipment, please let DTE know by calling 1-800-477-4747.
Additional safety tips:
- Locate lanterns and flashlights, check for operation and replace batteries as needed
- If you have a fireplace stock up on wood and matches
- Stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water pet food and batteries
- Check windows and doors for air leaks, apply caulk and weather stripping as needed
- Keep doors and windows closed, Put towels in front of any drafts.
- Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
- Layer your clothes to stay warm. Put on a hat, cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs and put on mittens (they’re better than gloves).
- Know the signs of frostbite — loss of feeling and color in fingers, ear lobes and the tip of the nose — and call 911 if someone has these symptoms.
- Preserve your phone battery and opt to text instead of call to keep your phone lines open.
- Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid a damaging power surge when the power comes on.
- Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Power_Outages_and_Service_Credit