DETROIT – DTE provided storm safety reminders ahead of Wednesday’s storms.
LIVE COVERAGE: Click here to watch our continuing live coverage of today’s storms, all day on Local 4+.
DTE Vice President of Distribution Operations Brian Calka held a press conference on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, ahead of the severe afternoon storms.
He emphasized that crews are ready to make efficient repairs for any upcoming outages. Calka said he’s not concerned about any ice or snow hitting the Metro Detroit area but the amount of rain.
According to Calka, the ground can soften with the amount of rain expected to accumulate, which can cause trees and power lines to fall over as they would no longer be supported on the ground.
Calka provided safety reminders to residents as severe storms are expected to sweep across Southeast Michigan Wednesday night with potentially some power lines falling over:
Downed power lines safety
DTE said residents need to stay out of their yards and at least one bus length, 25 feet, away from downed power lines.
Do not touch anything a fallen wire may be in contact with, and always consider a downed power line live and dangerous.
Yellow caution tape indicates there is a downed power line in the area. DTE urges residents not to cross the yellow caution tape.
Using a portable generator
DTE said never use a portable generator inside a home or business, as it emits carbon monoxide. Residents should keep it outside, away from windows and doors, so fumes won’t come in.
Report a power outage
DTE customers can report a power outage or downed wire to DTE immediately through the DTE app or website, or by calling 800-477-4747. Customers can upload a photo of downed wires through the Report Power Line Problem option within the outage center.
