Electric Safety Information

Contact Consumers Energy at 800-696-6552 for all outages or if you have questions about electric safety.

Outage Safety

Stay safe during an outage

If you experience a power outage, report it to Consumers Energy at 800-696-6552. You can also find important safety information to help protect your family, home, and property during an outage.

Learn about safety during an outage.

Be prepared before the lights go out

Preparing ahead of time can help you stay safe and comfortable during an unexpected outage. Learn what supplies to keep on hand, how to create an emergency plan, and steps you can take before severe weather strikes.

Learn how to prepare for a power outage.

Generator Safety

Using a generator during an outage?

Portable and standby generators can provide temporary power during an outage, but improper installation or operation can create serious safety hazards, including carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical hazards. Consumers Energy recommends using a licensed professional to install standby generators and following all manufacturer safety guidelines.

Before using a generator, review important generator safety tips and best practices on our Generator Safety page.

Storm Safety

Stay safe during severe weather

Storms can bring high winds, lightning, flooding, and downed power lines. Before severe weather arrives, make sure your family has a plan, keep emergency supplies on hand, and know how to report an outage. If you see a downed power line, stay far away and report it immediately.

Visit our Outage Center for outage updates, reporting information, and important safety reminders.

Lightning Safety

Is there lightning in your area?

Lightning can strike miles away from a storm and poses a serious risk of injury or death. When thunder roars, go indoors. Move to a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle and avoid open areas, tall objects, water, and electrical equipment until the storm has passed.

Visit the National Weather Service for lightning safety tips and severe weather information.

Cold Weather Safety

Stay safe during extreme cold

Winter weather can increase energy use, create hazardous travel conditions, and lead to power outages. Prepare your home and family for cold temperatures by keeping emergency supplies on hand, knowing how to stay warm safely, and monitoring local weather conditions.

Visit the National Weather Service for cold weather safety information and winter weather alerts.

Food Safety

Food safety during a power outage

When the power goes out, taking the right steps can help keep food safe and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Learn how to protect refrigerated and frozen foods, determine what can be saved, and know when it's time to throw food away.

Visit the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for food safety guidance during power outages and emergencies.

Controlled Burn Safety

Planning a prescribed burn?

Before conducting a prescribed burn, plan carefully and be aware of nearby power lines, utility equipment, structures, and changing weather conditions. Proper preparation can help prevent injuries, property damage, and unintended wildfires.

Visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach for prescribed burn planning guidance, safety recommendations, and Iowa-specific resources.

Grain Bin Safety

Planning a new grain bin?

Before installing a grain bin, it's important to consider the location of nearby power lines and equipment. Iowa regulations require specific clearances around grain bins, augers, conveyors, and elevators, and failing to meet those requirements can create serious safety risks and costly delays.

Learn about grain bin clearance requirements and contact Consumers Energy at 800-696-6552 or info@consumersenergy.coop before construction begins.

Digging Safety

Call before you dig

Digging without knowing what's below can be dangerous. Before starting any project that disturbs the ground, contact Iowa 811 to have underground utility lines marked. It's free, it's required by law, and it helps keep you, your neighbors, and utility workers safe.

Call 811 or 800-292-8989, or visit Iowa One Call to submit a locate request and learn more.

First Responder & Contractor Safety

Responding to electrical emergencies

Downed power lines, damaged service equipment, and energized structures can pose serious risks to firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders. Never assume electrical equipment is de-energized, avoid contact with anything touching a power line, and do not apply water to electrical equipment until the utility has secured the hazard.

Visit Safe Electricity for more information about first responder safety.

Medical Equipment Requiring Electricity

Plan ahead for medical needs

Power outages can create additional challenges for individuals who depend on electricity for medical equipment, refrigerated medications, or mobility devices. Creating a plan in advance—including backup power, emergency supplies, transportation options, and a support network—can help protect your health and safety during an outage.

Visit Ready.gov for information on creating an emergency plan for individuals with medical needs, disabilities, and others who depend on electricity-powered equipment.

Kids Safety Education & Community Outreach

Electrical safety for kids

Learning about electrical safety can be fun. Explore games, videos, activities, and other interactive resources designed to help children understand electricity and stay safe at home, at school, and outdoors.

Discover our kid-friendly electrical safety resources.

Education programs & community outreach

Consumers Energy is committed to educating and empowering our communities. Learn about scholarship opportunities, Youth Tour, educational presentations, and safety programs available for schools, civic organizations, first responders, local governments, and other community groups.

Explore our education programs and outreach opportunities.