Crime & Safety
UPDATE: Thousands Still in the Dark After Heavy Ice Storm
A portable generator can help get you through this week, but make sure you're using it safely.
Thousands of Fenton area residents spent Christmas in the dark after a major ice storm downed trees and power lines Dec. 22, and it may be Saturday before the lights are back on, Consumers Energy said.
The Flint Journal reports Thursday that about 3,000 customers in Fenton and Davison are still without power.
"The large number of crews from across the eastern U.S. made great progress overnight and we commend them for working safely in challenging conditions," Mary Palkovich, Consumers Energy's vice president of energy delivery, said in a statement. "Safety must continue to be our focus and also the public's focus."
Find out what's happening in Fentonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Crews from Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri are en route to Genesee County to help the more than 560 field workers already working to restore power to about 32,000 customers who don’t have power.
To see a Consumers Energy map of outages, go here.
Find out what's happening in Fentonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Consumers Energy says the best way to obtain an estimated time your service will be restored is to use one of the following options:
- Get an update on your restoration time by visiting www.consumersenergy.com from your mobile device.
- Call toll-free at (800) 477-5050 and use the automated system or speak to a customer service representative.
- Check for updates online through eServices (log in to eServices, select “Other Services” tab, then “Electric Outage Updates”), or get an Estimated Outage Restoration update without an eServices account.
- For more general updates on restoration efforts across Michigan, “like” Consumers Energy on Facebook or follow the utility on Twitter.
The ice storm this past weekend left many in Fenton and surrounding communities with a strong likelihood of spending Christmas in the dark.
Consumers Energy reports thousands of customers in the Fenton and Holly areas without power, with service not expected to be restored until 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 28.
The buzzing and humming of portable generators have filled the air in neighborhoods hit hardest by the storm Saturday night and early Sunday morning. While generators can help provide relief during extended power outages, they can also pose serious risks to residents' safety if used improperly.
Patch blogger Rachel Hillman pointed out some common-sense tips while using a generator:
- Always read and observe the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
- Use heavy duty, outdoor rated extension cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load.
- If you are hard-wiring the generator to your home, only use a qualified electrician to connect the generator to the house wiring. Make sure the electrician also installs a manual transfer switch to prevent a backfeed and prevent damage to your generator, wiring and appliances when power is restored.
- Only operate a generator outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Also be sure not to overload your generator. Only run essential appliances and electronics from the generator. Don't risk frying your new television set or home stereo system, but do use the generator for water pumps, necessary heating appliances, interior lighting and charging portable devices.
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