At DTE Energy, our teams live and work in the neighborhoods we serve. We understand how frustrating it is to be without power because we feel it, too. Although we work 24/7 to keep your lights on, there are times when circumstances beyond DTE’s control cause the power to go out. When that happens, there are things you can do to keep you and your loved ones safe, while we work to restore your power as quickly and safely as possible.
How can I report an outage?
As soon as you realize that your power has been disrupted, report the outage through the DTE website, the DTE app or by phone. Your report will help us determine the full extent of an outage, as well as more efficiently deploy our crews to restore power. By reporting your outage, you can also decide how you would like to be updated on the status of your outage.
- Visit our Outage Center at outage.dteenergy.com
- Call 800.477.4747 and use our automated phone system to report an outage or get an estimate
- Use the DTE Energy Mobile App
What do I do if I see a downed power line?
Stay safe around downed power lines by doing the following:
- Stay at least 25 feet, an ambulance or school bus length, away from a downed power line. Make sure you and your family, pets and neighbors don’t touch anything the line touches — like a fence, or a puddle.
- Assume all downed power lines are live and dangerous. Even if you don’t see sparks, smell smoke or hear buzzing, the line may still be energized. Coming in contact with a downed power line, including touching it with an object like a broom or pole, can result in fatal injuries.
- Call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency related to power lines. For example, if a line is on fire or has fallen on a vehicle, trapping people inside.
- Do not drive across a downed power line. If a power line falls on your car, stay inside and wait for help.
- Never cross yellow barrier tape surrounding the area of a downed power line.
- Please visit wire safety dteenergy.com/wiresafety for more information.
Reporting downed power lines is one of the most important things you can do. In fact, it can save lives. You can report a downed line in one of the following ways:
- Visit outage.dteenergy.com/report-down-line
- Call 800.477.4747
- Use the DTE Energy Mobile App
What should people with medical conditions do during an outage?
If you, a friend or family member are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. In a non-emergency situation do the following:
- Make alternative accommodations with family or friends who are not impacted by the outage
- Contact your medical professional to discuss potential options
- Call 2-1-1 to find local services and get help today
Customers should also let DTE customer service know about medical conditions that can be affected by power outages, so it can be added to their account profile. Customers can do so by calling 800.477.4747.
What do I need to know about using a generator?
Generators offer a valuable backup power source during outages. But if they’re not used properly, they can also pose a serious safety risk. That’s why it’s important to know how to use a generator safely, so you’re ready for emergencies.
- Always operate generators outdoors to avoid a dangerous and potentially deadly buildup of toxic fumes, particularly carbon monoxide (CO). CO is known as the silent killer. It’s an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can be fatal.
- Place your generator outside (the Electrical Safety Foundation recommends at least 25 feet away from your home). Point the engine exhaust away from windows and doors.
- Make sure you have a properly working battery-powered CO detector. Test your CO detector monthly, and remember to change the batteries at least twice per year.
- Don’t plug your generator into the wall.
- Keep your generator in a dry location. Make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator.
- Let your generator cool before refueling.
To find more answers to your storm questions, visit empoweringmichigan.com. Get real-time updates and information about outages at our Outage Center or by following us on Nextdoor, Facebook and Twitter.