Wayne County Opens Warming Centers as Defense Against Wicked Cold

It’s going to be a dangerously cold weekend in southeast Michigan, where the National Weather Service says wind chill values could plummet to -35. (Patch file photo)

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Wayne County Homeland Security and Emergency Management officials encouraging Wayne County residents and visitors to take extra precautions when dealing with the bitter cold.

“We want people to be safe. We know that these prolonged below freezing temperatures, especially with the wind chill factored in, can be extremely dangerous,” said Warren Evans, Wayne County CEO. “It is important for people that need be outdoors to take measures to stay safe, whether traveling or working outside.”

During extremely cold weather, you should take the following precautions:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to the cold;
• Monitor our local weather reports;
• Dress in layers and keep dry;
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance;
• Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
• Bring your pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen water.
• Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, blanket and flashlight – and keep the fuel tank above half full.
• If you are told to stay off the roads, stay home. If you must drive, don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule and stay on main roads.

During a winter event, drivers are reminded that they can access the Wayne County “Compass” technology to learn what major highways and surface roads have been cleared by the Wayne County Roads Divisions fleet of snow plows and salt trucks. The Wayne County “Compass” system can be located near the top of the Wayne County homepage at www.waynecounty.com

Citizens who need additional assistance during this extreme cold are encouraged to call the statewide Michigan 211 telephone number for resources.

Additionally, the county will open warming shelters as needed.