Gov. Whitmer Announces State-Local Preparedness Ahead of Winter Storm

(December 21, 2022 7:25 PM) Ahead of heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerously cold temperatures forecasted later this week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the coordination of preparedness efforts between the State of Michigan and local communities to ensure full staffing of first responders, pre-deployment of utility repair crews, readiness for road crews, and availability of warming shelters. The governor also highlighted resources and tips to help Michiganders stay safe.  

“With potentially dangerous winter weather on the way, it is important to prepare and be ready ahead of time to keep yourself, your family, and your neighbors safe,” said Governor Whitmer. “The State of Michigan is closely watching conditions as they develop and taking action to prepare for winter weather impacts. We will continue working hard to protect the health and safety of Michiganders, and are grateful for the dedicated first responders working to keep Michiganders safe this weekend.” 

Travel is expected to be dangerous statewide Thursday through Saturday. The National Weather Service is forecasting the potential for blizzard conditions in the Upper Peninsula starting Thursday, and in the Lower Peninsula starting on Friday. Blizzard conditions are expected to last through Saturday with wind gusts between 40-50 mph and gusts over 60 mph possible at times Friday into Saturday.  

Residents should have a supply of essential items ready in advance to use during emergencies such as a power outage or being stranded in a vehicle. These supplies should be kept at home, at work and in vehicles for use during an emergency. 

First Responders  

The Michigan State Police is prepared to deploy additional troopers to assist motorists and has established lines of communication with local emergency management coordinators, the Red Cross, and Salvation Army. 

Road Maintenance Crews 

The Michigan Department of Transportation have plans in place to provide additional resources on freeways and other state-plowed roadways this weekend. The department has begun opening service garages to stock snowplows with fresh blades, new tires, and plenty of salt. 

Utilities 

The Michigan Public Service Commission and Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division are working with utilities and local providers to pre-deploy staff and crews to help keep the power on. 

Warming Centers 

Many cities and local governments set up warming centers ahead of inclement weather. To find a warming center near you, visit https://mi211.org/ and search “warming centers” or call 2-1-1. 

Winter Weather Preparedness 

As we all prepare for potentially dangerous winter weather, we can take commonsense measures to stay safe. 

• Stay indoors if possible. If you must go out, wear layers to prevent loss of body heat and cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. 
• Keep a three-day supply of food and water, battery-powered weather radio, flashlight and extra batteries, and extra blankets. 
• For those requiring oxygen, make sure you have a backup power source in case of outages. 
• To protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning, do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal burning device inside your home, basement, garage, or near a window. 
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance. 
• Follow @MichEMHS for more information on how to prepare before, during, and after an emergency. 

If you don’t need to be on the roadways this weekend, please stay home. If you are going out, follow these tips: 

• Keep your vehicle’s fuel tank near full to prevent it from freezing. 
• Pack an emergency supply kit with essentials like salt or cat litter, jumper cables, flashlight, shovel, food, water, and blankets. 
• Make sure you give yourself extra time to get where you are going safely. 
• Avoid downed power lines, which could be carrying live electricity. 
• Snowplows have blind spots, especially in a snowstorm. Give snowplow operators a little extra help and “Don’t Crowd the Plow.” 
• Before you travel, check MDOT’s MiDrive Website for information on closures, snowplow locations, and other road condition information. 

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