LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As Michigan braces for a major winter storm, utilities are alerting customers about how they can prepare and stay safe.

Consumers Energy sent an email to its customers letting them know “more than 400 Consumers Energy and contractor crews from as far away as Colorado, Alabama, and New York are preparing for another strong storm system expected to sweep across the state this weekend.”

MORE NEWS: Traverse City Shines on Wall Street Journal’s Best Travel List

They have trucks on standby and essential materials staged in key areas, including mobile storm units already parked near Grand Rapids and Tawas to bring supplies closer to restoration work.

DTE Energy said they have 1,100 linemen at both DTE and around the country to support power restoration efforts.

Residents should stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, and to report unguarded downed lines by calling 911 or the utility. If power outages forced the use of a generator, they should be set up outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.