14,000 DTE Customers Still Without Power After Storms Swept MI

METRO DETROIT, MI — Some 14,000 people in Michigan remain without power. That's around 3% of the service area for DTE, which is still tackling the most severe storm damages from the weekend.

The outages are down from 22,000 on Tuesday night and are scattered throughout the region, DTE representatives said.

Some of the customers who lost power are eligible for a credit. Read more on that here.

The company said the weekend storms that blew through southeastern Michigan wrecked havoc on the area and was the second-largest storm in the company's history. It was beat only by the 800,000 people who lost power in last year's wind storm.

More than 1,100 DTE employees, 950 out-of-state line workers and 800 tree-triming crews are working 16-hour shifts around the clock to restore power to those affected.

Storm tips:

· Never drive across a downed power line. If a power line falls on your vehicle, remain inside until help arrives.

· Always operate generators outdoors to avoid dangerous buildup of toxic fumes.

· Don’t open refrigerators or freezers more often than absolutely necessary. A closed refrigerator will stay cold for 12 hours. Kept closed, a well-filled freezer will preserve food for two days.

· Turn off or unplug all appliances to prevent an electrical overload when power is restored. Leave on one light switch to indicate when power is restored.

· If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should try to make alternative accommodations with family or friends.

· During low-voltage conditions – when lights are dim and television pictures are smaller – shut off motor-driven appliancessuch as refrigerators to prevent overheating and possible damage. Sensitive electronic devices also should be unplugged.

· Stay out of flooded or damp basements or other areas if water is in contact with outlets or any electrically-operated appliance. The water or moisture may serve as a conductor of electricity. This can cause serious or even fatal injury.

· Assemble an emergency kit. It should include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and candles, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled water and non-perishable food.

· Customers who depend on electrically powered medical equipment should ask their physician about an emergency battery back-up system. If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should develop an emergency plan that allows for alternative accommodations with family or friends.