FORT WAYNE, Ind., Sept. 6, 2023 – The weather in Indiana and Michigan is ever-changing.Throughout the year, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, proactively maintains and upgrades the electrical system. However, power outages due to severe weather remain possible.
Along with each season comes the chance of strong winds, heavy rain, lightning or ice/snow accumulations. September is National Preparedness Month and I&M is Powering the Next Level of Safety to help customers, families and businesses stay safe and connected.
“At Indiana Michigan Power, the safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. When emergencies and severe weather happen, we want our customers to know how to respond, prepare and stay safe ,” said Nick Elkins, Director of Customer Services and Business Development. “We encourage you to practice these tips with your loved ones and create a plan to stay safe if the unexpected happens.”
- Plan and prepare Before severe weather strikes, build an emergency kit with flashlights; a first-aid-kit; portable chargers; batteries; bottled water, non-perishable foods and personal health items. Families should practice an emergency plan so each member knows what to do in an emergency.
- Remember, safety first If the power goes out, remember to unplug electronics and appliances to protect them when power is restored. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fires, never operate heaters, generators, fuel-fired stoves or burn charcoal without proper ventilation. Let us know if you're using a generator. See our Generator Safety Tips for a full list of ways to play it safe.
- Stay away, stay alive If you see a downed power line, keep away. Please use caution around debris, tree limbs and chain link fences which could conceal a downed wire. Call 911 or I&M at 1-800-311-4634 to report the hazard. Please use caution in flooded areas and don’t use electrical equipment or electronics that may have been submerged.
- Stay connected and alert Customers are encouraged to download the I&M App to receive text alerts and updates on their outage. Before a weather event, customers can check if their account information, including address and phone number, is up-to-date.
Like our customers, I&M prepares to respond if power outages occur. A dedicated team of AEP meteorologists monitor and share forecasts before inclement weather arrives. I&M also ensures a contingent of crews and equipment are in place. Once it is safe to do so, crews will follow our storm restoration process to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
For more weather-ready tips, safety reminders and storm information, customers can visit www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/weather.
# # #
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,000 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 80% of its energy delivered in 2022 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.
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 17,000 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.6 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 30,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 7,000 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2032. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2045. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities 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. For more information, visit aep.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Schneè Doyle
Communications Consult Sr.
574-218-5987
smdoyle@aep.com