Northeast Michigan got plenty of snow this week, but Mother Nature spared our region from the damaging accumulation of ice that knocked power out for some 700,000 electric customers in the southern Lower Peninsula.

But we might not be so lucky next time.

Another weather system will move through Monday that could bring another six to 10 inches of snow or a mix of snow and freezing rain, depending on the temperature when the system moves into our region.

It’s important to be ready for power outages, and Ready.gov, the federal government’s website offering tips on emergency preparedness, offers the following tips:

∫ Take stock of the items in your house that you will need that rely on electricity, and plan for battery backups whenever possible.

∫ Talk to your doctor about any medical devices you use that rely on electricity and about any medications that require refrigeration and develop a plan in case of power outages.

∫ During a power outage, keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to keep the cold in.

∫ If you use a generator, only use one outside and keep it away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

∫ Do not use a gas stove to heat your home during a power outage.

∫ Keep flashlights handy.

∫ Keep carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups on every level of your home.

With proper precautions, power outages need not be more than just a little inconvenience.

Take the steps you need to take to be ready.