Extreme cold prompts opening of warming centers
One thing everyone agrees on: It’s cold outside.
Residents are cautioned to limit time outdoors and dress in layers; check on older adults, children and pets, and keep pets indoors. Other safety concerns addressed by state officials include the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. They should never use stoves, ovens or grills to heat a home they cautioned. “If you must travel, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle and make sure you have enough gas,” they said.
The dangerous cold has prompted several area communities to open warming centers for those who may be in danger during the frigid temperatures.
In Canton Township, the Summit on the Park, located at 46000 Summit Parkway, and the Canton Public Library, located at 1200 S. Canton Center Road, will be available as warming centers during regular business hours. For times call the summit at (734) 394-5460 or the library at (734)397-0999.
In Plymouth, warming centers are available at Plymouth Cultural Center lobby, 525 Farmer St., from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or 6 p.m. Sunday). Other options include the Webster Center (contact police for access) and the First United Methodist Church (45201 N. Territorial Road). Another option is Northridge Church: 49555 N. Territorial Road, Plymouth. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm hours, officials said.
In Sumpter Township, the Community Center, located at 23501 Sumpter Road, Belleville, serves as the designated warming and cooling center for residents during extreme weather. It is typically open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday The facility provides a safe, heated space for the community, officials said. The hours may be extended due to extreme cold. Access the official township website for more information, officials recommended.
The City of Westland Police Department lobby, 36701 Ford Road is open as a warming center for at-risk residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, officials said.
Police urged residents to report anyone without shelter in the cold. Officials urged residents to call 911 or the non-emergency police phone line at (734) 722-9600. “Our emergency personnel will work diligently to ensure they are taken to a safe place to stay warm,” officials said.
Westland police also cautioned owners to be careful with pets during the cold weather. Dogs cannot handle being left outside in temperatures below freezing for more than a few minutes without being at extreme risk for hypothermia, frostbite, and even death, they said. Report findings of animals left outside without proper shelter to Neighborhood Services at (734) 713-3733, the Animal Care and Control Services online form, or the non-emergency police line at (734) 722-9600 for after hour reporting.
State health officials said it is important to watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. The State of Michigan has more information about the warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Frostbite symptoms include: tingling, numbness, clumsiness due to joint stiffness, pain, cold, hard, waxy-looking skin, blistering after rewarming, and/or patches of skin in shades of red, white, blue, gray, purple or brown.
Those most at risk include adults 65 and older, smokers, unhoused people, children younger than 18, and those with underlying medical conditions.
Hypothermia is a condition in which the body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A normal body temperature is about 98 degrees but can vary. Hypothermia deaths can occur with temperatures as mild as 30 to 50 degrees. Wet clothing contributes to the rise of hypothermia, they said.
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, memory loss, slurred speech, confusion and drowsiness. The most susceptible are older adults, young children and babies.
