Strong to severe thunderstorms Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are predicted to impact communities across Indiana Michigan Power’s (I&M) service area. These storms are expected to bring damaging winds, which may lead to downed trees, power outages, local flooding and travel problems.
I&M is closely monitoring the weather and is ready to respond if needed. We are encouraging customers to review and practice what to do before, during and after a storm.
“We work hard every day to prevent power outages resulting from severe weather,” said Katie Davis, I&M’s vice president of External Affairs and Customer Experience. “When severe weather strikes, we have a team of highly trained employees who stand ready to safely restore power. We also encourage our customers to learn what steps they can take to prepare for the summer storm season.”
How I&M Prepares
Ongoing, Preventative Maintenance: From trimming trees away from power lines to updating equipment and adding smart technology, crews work year-round to proactively maintain and enhance our electrical system to help prevent possible power outages.
Proactive Monitoring: Our team of meteorologists closely monitors incoming weather, predicting the timing and severity of storms that may cause outages for customers. Their work helps us better position crews and equipment ahead of the weather to speed up restoration efforts.
Always On: Crews are ready to deploy from 11 strategically located service centers in Indiana and Michigan. When needed, we partner with other utilities to bring in additional workers to restore power.
How Customers Can Prepare
Plan Ahead: Identify a safe area ahead of time so everyone knows where to go before or during severe weather. Customers – especially senior citizens and individuals with health conditions, or those with young children – should make sure they have a plan.
Make an Emergency Kit: Have a backpack or bag with emergency items including non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, fresh batteries, a battery-powered radio or television, a portable cell phone charging bank, a blanket or sleeping bag, a first-aid kit and any necessary medications.
Prepare Your Property: Secure any loose objects outside of your home such as furniture, umbrellas or trampolines that could become airborne.
Stay Away from Downed Lines: Remember, all downed lines should be considered deadly. The power line and anything it could touch, including fences or in standing water, can carry electric currents which could cause serious or even fatal injuries. If you see a fallen wire, keep yourself and others, including pets away and call 911 or Indiana Michigan Power immediately at 1-800-311-4634.
Stay Connected: We’re committed to keeping our customers informed. To receive the latest information, you can download the I&M mobile app, sign up for text and email alerts and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
For more information and safety tips, please visit www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/Weather.