1/11/24 - Emergency Preparations

Here are some suggestions from the Kent County Emergency Management to help ensure we stay safe during this upcoming winter storm.

Emergency Preparedness: January 2024 Inclement Weather

Kent County Emergency Management, along with the National Weather Service and local response agencies, are monitoring a significant weather event that is expected to begin tomorrow at 7 a.m. (Friday, January 12) through 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 13.

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids is forecasting heavy snow and strong wind gusts of 30 to 55 mph paired with heavy snow causing blowing and drifting, whiteout conditions, power outages, and hazardous travel conditions. Please understand that conditions may get progressively worse with every hour that goes by during the storm.

Kent County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to take all necessary preparedness measures before noon on Friday to help ensure their safety. The National Weather Service has indicated that travel should be avoided during the peak of the storm.
How to Prepare Before Inclement Weather Starts

Consider Changing Travel Plans

    Listen to travel advisories by the National Weather Service.
    Traveling in the predicated conditions is dangerous and not recommended. If you travel on Friday, arrive to your destination early and plan to stay until the roads are clear and conditions improve.
    Carry an emergency supply kit in your vehicle with essential items such as salt, sand, a shovel, food and blankets if you need to travel.
    When traveling, let someone know your destination, route and expected arrival time.

Gathering Supplies

    Water— one gallon per person per day
    Food — supply of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food
    Blankets and warm clothing
    Medications and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, saline solution, syringes, canes, etc.)
    Identify a safe alternative heat source and supply of fuel in the event of a power outage
    Pet supplies
    Flashlight and extra batteries
    Charge all cellphones, laptops, and other devices that use rechargeable batteries
    Ensure you have a backup power source in case of long-term power outages if you require oxygen
    A list of family and emergency contact information

HERE is a list of recommended emergency supplies.

Preparing Your Home

    Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Remember to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
    To prevent frozen pipes allow water to drip from faucets served by exposed piping.
    Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.
    If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Strong Winds

 High winds can blow objects around and pose a significant threat to your safety.

    Identify items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don't blow away or fly through a window.
    Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, or another location that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings if needed.

During the Storm

The National Weather Service is predicting total snow accumulations of 9 to 15 inches, with winds gusting of 30 to 55 mph over portions of the surrounding area.

    Adhere to all travel advisories. Travel will be very difficult to impossible during the storm. Widespread blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility.
    Stay inside during the storm. If you must go outside, wear several layers of lightweight clothing, a hat and gloves to prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
    If you need to go outside, walk like a penguin (slowly and take short steps). Keep feet about shoulder width apart when walking on icy or snow-covered areas.

Pets

    Bring your companion animals indoors.
    Create a place where your other animals can be comfortable in severe winter weather. State law requires that animals that spend time outside have access to adequate shelter, bedding and water. Check on your animals frequently to make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles.

Power Outages & Down Power Lines

This storm could lead to power outages so residents are reminded to:

    Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, and
    Call or text 9-1-1 and your local power company to report any downed line.

Generators

    If using a generator, make sure it is running outside your home and never use gasoline powered devices inside the home. Carbon monoxide is created by these devices and dangerous levels can be fatal.
    Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
    Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
    Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.

Call to Check in on Friends and Loved Ones

    Periodically call or text friends, family and vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with disabilities to check on their wellbeing.  

Warming Centers

It is advised you do not travel during the storm; however, in the event that you need warmth or shelter, the following warming centers are available.
List of 2024 Warming Centers

Important Reminder: Please be advised that the status of warming centers may change in response to the evolving weather conditions. Closures may occur at these locations due to power outages or be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. We recommend calling ahead before visiting these locations or contacting 2-1-1 for the latest information.
After the Storm

Shovel Smart

    Avoid over-exerting yourself in the cold.
    Follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or other hard work in the cold.
    Don't eat a large meal or drink alcohol to avoid extra stress on your heart.
    Be cautious as wet snow can be twice as heavy.
    Warm up your muscles and take it slow.
    Push the snow rather than lifting it. If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel.
    Take frequent breaks - do not work to the point of exhaustion.

Stop immediately and call 9-1-1 if you're experiencing any signs of a heart attack.

Prevent Hypothermia & Frostbite

    Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia
    Layer-up
        Inner Layer: Wear fabrics that will hold more body heat and don’t absorb moisture. Wool, silk, or polypropylene will hold more body heat than cotton.
        Insulation Layer: An insulation layer will help you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Natural fibers, like wool, goose down, or a fleece work best.
        Outer Layer: The outermost layer helps protect you from wind, rain, and snow. It should be tightly woven, and preferably water and wind resistant, to reduce loss of body heat.

Remember, it does not take long for hypothermia and frostbite to set in during blizzard conditions.

Returning Home After a Power Outage

    Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. First use perishable food from the refrigerator.  An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours.
    When in doubt throw it out. Food that has been exposed to temperatures greater than 40 degrees for two (2) hours or more should be destroyed.
    If water pipes are frozen, do not use open flames, torches or welders to thaw them as this presents a fire risk. To safely thaw pipes, open cabinets to allow ambient heat or utilize a hair dryer on a high setting. If you are not successful, consider calling a qualified plumber.

Trusted Sources of Information

    Listen to the local radio and TV for weather reports and emergency information or follow the Kent County Sheriff's Office on X (formally Twitter)
    2-1-1 - Residents should call 2-1-1 for information and referral services to health, human, and social service organizations.
    Kent County Non-Emergency Line: 616-632-6100, option 1  
    9-1-1 - Residents should call or text 9-1-1- if a person is injured or needs immediate medical attention; a car accident with confirmed injuries or where the accident is severe; confirmed fire or presence of carbon monoxide; hazardous situation where an immediate response could prevent a more serious condition or death or injury to another; or a downed tree on live wires and there's potential for injury to a passerby
    City of Grand Rapids Non-Emergency Line: 616-456-3400
    American Red Cross of West Michigan - Residents who need assistance with  medical equipment should call 616-456-8661
    Kent County Incident Map - this interactive map highlights all of the incidents occurring in the County
    National Weather Service Grand Rapids for travel and weather advisories.
    Kent County Road Commission: Follow the Road Commission on social media for updates on road conditions. As a reminder, the Road Commission does not respond to special requests except through law enforcement and fire services. Residents experiencing an emergency situation should call or text 9-1-1.

Customers should directly contact their utility company to receive estimates of when their power might be restored.

    Consumers Energy: consumersenergy.com/outagemap
    Lowell Light & Power: 616-897-8402
    Great Lakes Energy: 888-485-2537