Across Indiana and Michigan, spring and summer weather brings thunderstorms, high winds, frequent lightning and flooding. Now that spring is officially here, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, is encouraging customers to be prepared for severe weather.
“I&M employees work every day hardening our system to prevent power outages, particularly those caused by severe weather,” said Scott Bennett, I&M’s Region Support Manager and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. “From trimming back tree branches and inspecting our equipment, to installing innovative technology, we aim to avoid all service disruptions. We closely monitor weather patterns so our crews will be ready to safely respond if necessary and restore power.”
High winds can toss and topple lawn furniture, umbrellas and even trampolines across yards - possibly into power lines.
To help be weather-ready, I&M has seven simple tips to keep customers prepared and connected during severe weather and possible power outages:
- Plan Ahead: Before severe weather hits, have a plan in place. Identify the safe area in your home, such as a basement or storm shelter. Decide what to do in the event of an extended power outage. Check on senior citizens, those with small children and those who have medical conditions to ensure 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: High winds can toss and topple lawn furniture, umbrellas and even trampolines across yards - possibly into power lines. Secure any loose objects in your yard. Remember, if the power goes out, unplug electronics and appliances to protect them when power is restored.
- Stay Away from Downed Lines: Remember, all downed lines should be considered energized. The power line and anything it could touch, including fences or in standing water, can carry electric currents which could cause serious or possibly 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.
- Remember, Safety First: Never operate lanterns, heaters, fuel-fired stoves or burn charcoal without proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. Also, if you’re using a generator, make sure you know how to properly use it -- this protects you and our line workers as they work to restore power.
- Watch Out for I&M Crews: Please use caution if you see an I&M employee, business partner or first responder working on the side of the road. Please don’t approach an I&M worker to ask about a power outage. Crews work with hazardous equipment and electricity, and you could be a distraction.
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Stay Connected: If severe weather causes power outages, it’s easy to stay connected.
- Download the I&M mobile app to monitor an outage;
- Sign up for text and email alerts on the app or at IndianaMichiganPower.com/Alerts;
- Monitor the status of an outage using our outage map at IndianaMichiganPower.com/OutageMap.
- Follow I&M on Facebook and Twitter where they can get up-to-date information and help from customer service representatives to report your outage and check restoration times.
For more information and safety tips, please visit www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/Safety.
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Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,000 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 85% of its energy delivered in 2023 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company’s generation portfolio also includes 1,497 MW of coal-fueled generation.
About American Electric Power (AEP)
Our team at American Electric Power is committed to improving our customers' lives with reliable, affordable power. We are investing $54 billion from 2025 through 2029 to enhance service for customers and support the growing energy needs of our communities. Our nearly 16,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electric transmission system with 40,000 line miles, along with more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver energy to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity. We are focused on safety and operational excellence, creating value for our stakeholders and bringing opportunity to our service territory through economic development and community engagement. Our family of companies includes AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. AEP is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, visit aep.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Schneè Doyle
Communications Consultant Sr.
574-218-5987
smdoyle@aep.com