EFFECTS OF ICE STORM – POWER OUTAGES
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The recent ice storm has resulted in thousands of power outages across Michigan. Many homes and businesses in the greater Grand Rapids area have been affected by the weekend ice storm. Loss of power in Kent County has approached 20,000+ customers. Crews from Consumers Energy are working to restore power to our area.
Traffic signals powered by the City of Grand Rapids are functional; the few that are powered by Consumers Energy have yet to be restored. Please treat intersections that have no working traffic signals like a four-way stop. Be safe! City crews have been salting major and residential streets around the clock for the last several days to ensure safe travel for emergency vehicles.
If you are concerned about pipes freezing while you wait for electric service restoration, it is recommended that you open faucets to allow for a trickle of water to flow. This should prevent water freezing in your pipes, causing them to burst.
The Consumers Energy website can be accessed by mobile phones to report outages or to check the status of an outage. Get an update on your restoration time by visiting www.consumersenergy.com from your mobile device. Consumers Energy cautions residents to stay at least 25 feet away from any downed wires and to report them immediately by calling 1-800-477-5050 or their local law enforcement agency. Customers who lose electricity for an extended period of time can dial 2-1-1 to receive emergency shelter information or to request assistance. The American Red Cross has opened warming shelters at these area locations:
Burton Middle School at 2133 Buchanan Ave. SW in Grand Rapids
Middleville United Methodist Church at 111 Church St. in Middleville
Ionia County High School at 250 E Tuttle Road in Ionia
Please call 456-8661 if you have any questions related to services provided by the Red Cross. City Officials have been in contact with the Red Cross and Consumers Energy to understand their response to this emergency. The Red Cross is prepared to open other warming/shelter locations as the need arises.
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