Consumers Energy will mobilize crews in West Michigan to deal with upcoming storms

Consumers Energy is mobilizing a collection of company and contract crews to respond to thunderstorms that could arrive tonight and early tomorrow morning.

“We are getting our crews ready — and we want the public to be ready — for storms that could bring high wind gusts,” said Chris Laird, Consumers Energy’s vice president for electric operations said in a news release .

“Even as we’ve just finished responding to flooding and other severe weather this week, it’s important to know we are not letting our guard down. We will be sure we’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings this weekend,” he said.

More: More rain in Michigan weather forecast: See the live radar

Workers from as far away as Connecticut, Georgia and Colorado are joining Michigan contractors to be ready for a fast response. The mobile storm units are stocked with supplies and essential materials for a swift and fast acting response for residents who may be left without power.

Consumers is encouraging Michiganders to keep an eye on the storm forecast and make preparations including:

• Charge all electronic devices. It’s advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available for use during an outage.
• Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, nonperishable 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.

Jalen Williams is an intern at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com .

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Consumers Energy will mobilize crews in West Michigan to deal with upcoming storms