Across Indiana and Michigan, spring and summer weather brings thunderstorms, high winds, frequent lightning and flooding. Now that spring is officially here, I&M 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."

To help be weather-ready, I&M has seven simple tips to keep customers prepared and connected during severe weather and possible power outages:

1. 

   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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

6. 

   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.
7. Stay Connected: If severe weather causes power outages, it’s easy to stay connected.
   • Download the I&M mobile app to monitor an outage;
   • Regístrese para recibir alertas por email y mensaje de texto en la aplicación o en 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.