Severe storms don’t just bring wind, hail, and lightning — they frequently knock out power, sometimes for hours or days at a time. A well-prepared household can weather an outage safely and comfortably. An unprepared one faces real risks from carbon monoxide, food-borne illness, and loss of critical medical equipment. Today, as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, the Chesterfield Township Fire Department is sharing what you need to know before, during, and after a storm-caused power outage.
Before an Outage — Prepare Now
Build a power outage kit
Keep these items accessible in your home at all times:
- Flashlights and extra batteries — one per household member
- Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio
- Portable phone charger (power bank) — kept charged
- First aid kit
- Cash — ATMs and card readers don’t work without power
- Manual can opener
- Blankets and warm clothing, especially in winter
Know your medical equipment needs
If you or a household member depends on electrically powered medical equipment — oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, home dialysis, powered wheelchairs, or refrigerated medications such as insulin — contact your utility provider now to register as a medical baseline customer. Have a backup plan, including a battery backup unit and the phone number of your medical equipment supplier, in place before storm season.
Consider a generator — and know how to use it safely
A portable generator can power essential appliances during an extended outage. If you own or plan to purchase one, read the safety section below carefully before the next storm. Generator misuse is one of the leading causes of carbon monoxide poisoning deaths following severe weather events.
Protect your electronics
Power surges when electricity is restored can damage computers, televisions, and appliances. Use surge protectors on sensitive electronics and consider unplugging major appliances before a storm arrives. A whole-home surge protector installed at your electrical panel offers the best protection.
During an Outage — Stay Safe
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed
A refrigerator will keep food safe for approximately 4 hours if the door stays closed. A full freezer will hold temperature for about 48 hours — a half-full freezer for about 24 hours. Resist the urge to check on food frequently. When in doubt about whether food is still safe, throw it out.
Use flashlights — not candles
Candles are a leading cause of house fires during power outages. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns instead. If you must use candles, never leave them unattended, keep them away from anything flammable, and extinguish them before sleeping.
Stay informed
Without power, your normal sources of weather information may not be available. A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio is your most reliable source of emergency alerts and weather updates. Keep your cell phone charged using a power bank, and conserve battery by reducing screen brightness and closing unused apps.
Check on neighbors
Elderly residents, people with disabilities, and those living alone are especially vulnerable during extended outages — particularly in extreme heat or cold. Check on neighbors who may need assistance and contact local emergency services if someone needs help you cannot provide.
Report your outage to DTE Energy
Chesterfield Township is served by DTE Energy. Report outages and check restoration status at dteenergy.com or by calling 800-477-4747. Reporting your outage helps DTE prioritize restoration in your area.
Carbon Monoxide — The Invisible Killer
⚠ Never use these indoors or in a garage
Carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless, odorless, and deadly. Every year, people die after storm-caused power outages because they run fuel-burning equipment in enclosed spaces. The following must never be used indoors, in a garage, or near any open window or door:
- Portable generators
- Gas or charcoal grills
- Camp stoves
- Propane heaters not rated for indoor use
- Kerosene heaters (without proper ventilation)
Generators must be placed at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent — including your neighbors’ homes. If your CO alarm sounds, get everyone out of the building immediately and call 911. Do not re-enter until emergency responders clear the building.
After Power Is Restored
Check your food
Discard any refrigerated food that has been above 40°F for more than two hours. Never taste food to determine if it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out — food poisoning is far more dangerous than the cost of replacement groceries.
Reset carefully
Turn appliances and electronics back on gradually rather than all at once to avoid overloading circuits when power returns. Check that your smoke detectors and CO alarms are functioning — power fluctuations can sometimes affect battery backup systems.
Stay away from downed power lines
Treat every downed power line as live and deadly, even after power appears to have been restored to your area. Stay at least 50 feet away, keep others back, and call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move lines or drive over them.
Power Outage Readiness Checklist
| ☐ | Flashlights and fresh batteries in an accessible location |
| ☐ | Portable phone charger (power bank) kept charged and ready |
| ☐ | Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio |
| ☐ | Working CO alarm on every floor of your home — tested within the last month |
| ☐ | Generator (if owned) stored safely outdoors and fueled — with extension cords rated for outdoor use |
| ☐ | DTE Energy outage number saved in your phone: 800-477-4747 |
| ☐ | Medical equipment backup plan in place for any power-dependent devices |
| ☐ | Follow Chesterfield Fire on Facebook for real-time updates during severe weather |
