Tag Archives: Storms

Be prepared: Outdoor power equipment helps weather a storm or power outage

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Recent storms took down trees and power lines, and damaged structures (Courtesy, pxhere.com)



By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


A severe storm with damaging winds hit West Michigan earlier this week. Several homes and businesses were left without power and/or structural damage. First responders were hindered by road obstructions as they attempted to help those in need.

The storm’s aftermath has left several people wondering how they can be better prepared to safely weather future storms.

Keep power outdoor equipment on hand

Summer storm season is here, and having the right outdoor power equipment on hand year-round is important, says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). OPEI advises home and business owners to think ahead before foul weather or a power outage disrupts life.

Be prepared – any season can be storm season (Courtesy photo)

“It’s important to be prepared year-round given any season can be storm season,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of OPEI. “We see more people investing in portable and whole house generators and having other outdoor power equipment on hand such as chainsaws and water pumps to mitigate any damage from felled trees and water damage and floods.”

Kiser adds that outdoor power equipment is becoming faster, lighter, more efficient, and more technologically-advanced.

“There’s a power source for every need including battery/electric, propane, solar and gasoline,” Kiser says, noting each has different maintenance and care requirements. “Always read and follow the manufacturer’s manual.”

Identify which equipment is needed

To get ready for inclement weather, homeowners should identify which equipment is needed.

Having the proper equipment on hand can help mitigate damage from storms (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Chainsaws or pole saws can trim limbs and shrubs ahead of a storm and handle clearing. String trimmers, pruners and chainsaws can also remove combustible material from around your home, making it less vulnerable to wildfires.

A portable generator will power key appliances and charge cell phones when utilities go down. Before an outage, plan where the generator will be set up. Never put a generator in a home or garage, and always away from your home and any air intake.

Before an outage, plan where the generator will be set up (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Determine how to secure it if needed. Buy and install a carbon monoxide detector. Get outdoor-rated extension cords for portable generators and consider adding an approved cover to your generator for rainy weather. A whole house generator can keep the lights and appliances on and running.

Water pumps can help get water and muck out of basements and homes. Be sure you know how to operate the pump. Never pump substances that your equipment is not designed to cope with. Pay attention to avoid overheating and follow all safety precautions.

A utility type vehicle can transport people and supplies quickly in an emergency. Keep the vehicle stable and drive slowly. Do not turn mid-slope or while on a hill. Consider taking a safety course.

Store equipment operating supplies

Always read the directions provided by outdoor power equipment manufacturers. Be sure to follow all manufacturer’s safety and usage recommendations before you need it—not waiting until an emergency. Practice how to operate equipment. Save a digital copy of the owner’s manual on your computer for easy future consultation.

Make sure to have the right fuel on hand and charge batteries ahead of an outage. Gasoline-powered equipment uses E10 or less fuel and most manufacturers recommend adding a fuel stabilizer. Fuel more than 30 days old may phase separate and cause running problems, so it is important to purchase fuel just ahead of a storm. Store fuel safely, and only use an approved fuel container.

Make sure you have the correct batteries needed, and that they are charged before a storm (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

For battery-powered equipment, recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may not be compatible with another battery pack.

Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or equipment outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery.

Pay attention to your health

One of the most important things operators can do for safety is to pay attention to energy levels and health.

Preparation for bad weather, a power outage and storm cleanup can be taxing on the body and the spirit. Do not operate power equipment when tired or overly fatigued. Drink plenty of water and take regular breaks. Always use safety equipment like chaps, gloves, eye protection or hearing protection.

With serve storms heading to the area, Consumers Energy prepares crews, offers tips

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Serve weather is expected to hit the area around 10 p.m. tonight. (pxhere.com)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With extreme weather predicted for tonight by local meteorologists, Consumer Energy crews are preparing for power outages, downed wires, and other safety hazards.

“We may experience some hurricane-type, typhoon-type winds tonight,” said WOODTV 8 Meteorologist Matt Kirkwood earlier today. “If not here, certainly throughout the region of the Great Lakes,”

More recently, the Greater Grand Rapids area has moved to a moderate risk, which is the second highest risk factor for storms by the National Weather Service. According to Kirkwood, the storm is expected come in around 10 p.m. and last through 7 a.m. Thursday. Wind gusts are expected to be around 60+ mph with about 2 to 4 inches of rain.

 

Consumers Energy provided these preparation tips for potential severe weather include:

·       Charge all electronic devices. It’s advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available for use during an outage.

Consumers Energy crews are preparing for outages and other safety hazards. (Supplied)

·       Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, canned food and blankets. Be prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet food if applicable. A battery-operated radio is also a good idea.

·       Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.

Consumers Energy also urges the public to keep these important storm safety tips in mind:

·       Stay at least 25 feet away from downed wires, keep children or pets away, and report the issue by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. Consumers Energy crews are taking extra health and safety precautions because of the COVID-19 situation and asks the public to keep at least six feet of distance from its crews.

  • Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas.
  • Be alert to crews working along roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.
  • Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.

Customers can report an outage, check the status of an outage and get useful tips what to do after a storm by visiting www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter. Customers can also sign up to get outage alerts and restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message, Text ‘REG’ to 232273 or visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts.   

Staying safe: 5 tips to prevent summer emergencies

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By ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA)

 

Sunshine and warm weather provide plenty of opportunity to get outside and be active. Don’t let an emergency get in the way of your summertime fun. Here are five tips to keep your family safe this summer.

  • Window Safety. Opening up windows and letting in a cool breeze is a welcome change in spring but can also increase the risk of falls, especially for small children and pets. Move furniture that kids and pets might climb on away from windows. If you have double-hung windows, open the top and keep the bottom closed. Remember, screens don’t make windows safe; even a small child can fall through a screen.
  • Injuries. Summer provides all kinds of opportunities to get outside and be active. Be sure to wear protective gear like helmets when biking, skating or riding a scooter and appropriate pads and guards for sports activities. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
  • Severe Storms. As tornado season begins, be sure to identify a safe place to go when there’s a tornado risk. The best options are in the basement or a storm cellar. If you don’t have one of these options, identify an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
  • Water. Swimming and enjoying Michigan’s many natural waterways is a great way to cool off in the summer. Stay safe this summer by swimming with a buddy; don’t allow someone to swim alone. Young children and inexperienced swimmers should always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket around water.
  • Heat Waves. Never leave children or pets alone in an enclosed vehicle. In just a few minutes, temperatures can become life threatening!

 

Unfortunately, no matter how prepared we are, emergencies can happen. Now, a new service, available to Kent County residents, can get you help faster.

 

Smart911 allows you to create a free online safety profile to assist 911 dispatch. For example, dispatch technology used by 911 systems can sometimes pin cell phone calls to inaccurate locations. However, with a Smart911 profile you can register your cell phone to a specific address. Call-takers will have a precise location for your home along with other key information like home layout, family make-up, pet descriptions, medical information and gas and electrical shutoff locations.

 

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) is dedicated to providing resources to members of our community. We hope you will visit Smart911 to learn more and sign up for this potentially life-saving service!

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org