During National Electrical Safety Month Consumers Energy Offers Spring, Summer Safety Tips

JACKSON, Mich., May 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy has spring and summer safety tips for Michigan residents in recognition of National Electrical Safety Month this May.

"It's important that residents take time to become aware of the electric and natural gas facilities around them, both overhead and underground, to allow outdoor activities to be accomplished safely this spring," said Daniel J. Malone, Consumers Energy's senior vice president of distribution and customer operations. "Part of our promise to Michigan includes working together for safer communities – and reminding citizens about safety hazards, both big and small, helps us keep that promise."

As Michigan residents are venturing outside to work and play this spring and summer, Consumers Energy offers the following tips:

• Never fly a kite close to a power line – and if a kite does get stuck on a power line, do not attempt to remove it, as electric shock could be fatal
• Parents should ensure children never climb a utility pole or tree located near a power line
• Do not trim branches or trees near power lines themselves; call our forestry management professionals for a free estimate at (800) 582-4238 before starting a trimming project.
• Look up before moving ladders, long tools, or working around the outside of your home to ensure you never come within 10 feet of an overhead wire
• When planting a tree, be aware of the power lines and natural gas pipes that provide electricity and natural gas to your home and throughout your neighborhood
• Always call 811 at least three working days before doing any digging around your property to have underground facilities marked, free of charge
• Avoid planting tall-growing trees such as large maples, oaks and most pines under power lines

Additional details regarding planting trees, digging safely and keeping your family safe around electricity and natural gas this season can be found on the Consumers Energy website at: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/safety.

National Electrical Safety Month is initiated by Electrical Safety Foundation International and is held each May to raise awareness about electrical hazards, which can cause electrical fires, injuries and death. Visit www.esfi.org for more information.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE:  CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information regarding Consumers Energy, visit us at: www.consumersenergy.com   or join us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan

SOURCE Consumers Energy