ALPENA POWER COMPANY
401 N. Ninth Ave
Alpena, Michigan 49707
For Immediate Release
January 12, 2024
Alpena Power Company (APC) is preparing for a large winter storm that is expected to hit the Great Lakes region with heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and damaging wind gusts beginning Friday around 5:00 p.m. and continue into late Saturday. This storm could include winds over 60 mph, resulting in power outages, downed wires and other safety hazards.
APC has been preparing trucks and essential materials to assist with any restoration efforts. To report outages quickly and efficiently, we encourage customers to use the automated outage system by calling 989-358-4900, option 1. To see if your area is affected by an outage, you can access our outage map at www.alpenapower.com and click on the outage center link.
If you experience an outage, please remain indoors. High winds will cause trees to go down along with power lines. Crews will respond to outages in a safe, responsible manner and will be accessing outage areas with trucks, ATV’s, snowmobiles and sometimes on foot.
Wind chills on Saturday and Sunday are expected to be in the low single digits. Customers should call 2-1-1 if they are looking for help connecting to resources that offer assistance in your community, including warming centers. 2-1-1 is a free statewide service.
Some preparation tips for potential severe weather include:
- Charge all electronic devices. It’s advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available for use during an outage.
- Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, canned food and blankets. Be prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet food if applicable. A battery-operated radio is also a good idea.
- Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed wires and anything they are touching, keep children or pets away, and report the issue by calling APC at 989-358-4900. If there is an electrical emergency, call 9-1-1
- A portable generator should be placed at least 25 feet away from any doors, windows or fresh air intakes. Never operate a generator inside your home, garage, basement or enclosed area. Proper ventilation is critical.
- Be alert to crews working along slick roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.
