Dear Friend,

With sub-zero wind chills forecast across Michigan, I want to make sure everyone has the resources and information they need to stay safe and warm. 

Michiganders can handle a little ice and snow, but we must take precautions to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe. By using and sharing the resources below, we can get through this cold weather together.  

Sincerely,

Stay Safe in Cold Weather

When there is a risk of extreme low temperatures and icy roads, the Michigan State Police encourage Michiganders to make a plan for winter weather emergency preparedness. To learn more about how to prepare, check out the MIREADY Winter Weather Preparedness page.

To stay safe during this extreme cold, the Michigan State Police recommend the following:

• Limit Time Outdoors - If you must go outside, wear several layers of warm clothing and always have a hat and mittens or gloves.
• Watch For Signs of Frostbite or Hypothermia – Frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes on skin exposed to extreme cold. Older adults, babies, and people who remain outdoors for long periods are more likely to be victims of frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Frostbite symptoms: Numbness, loss of feeling, pale or waxy skin, especially on the face, fingers, and toes.
  • Hypothermia symptoms: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech, or drowsiness.
• Keep a Winter Emergency Kit in Your Car -If you must drive, ensure your gas tank is full and your vehicle is stocked with an emergency kit, including warm clothing, blankets, gloves, hats, and a phone charger.
• Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Use generators and grills only outdoors and away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
• Avoid Overexertion - Shoveling snow can put extra strain on your heart, so take it easy and avoid sudden bursts of activity.
• Check on Others - Older adults, young children, and pets are especially vulnerable to extreme cold and should be checked on regularly. Keep pets indoors.
• Stay in your Vehicle - If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle and wait for help rather than attempting to walk in the cold.

Keep Pets Safe & Warm

Pets are at risk during severe winter weather due to wind chill factors, hypothermia and frostbite. Make plans for your pets – see tips below from my pups, Kevin & Doug.

Conserve Energy – Be “Winterwise”

The Michigan Public Service Commission offers excellent tips on how we can all be proactive about conserving energy and being “winterwise.” Some of these tips include:

1. Shut-Off Protection – Senior citizens, low-income customers, those with a medical emergency or in critical care, and military personnel may qualify for heat shut-off protection. Contact your utility company for more information.
2. Plan Ahead – Many utility companies have Budget Billing Plans that can spread out your peak winter heating bills, allowing for a more affordable monthly bill during the heating season. Contact your utility company for more information.
3. Use Energy Wisely – Reduce your energy use using these helpful tips.
4. Request Assistance – Qualifying seniors and low-income customers may be eligible for financial assistance. Call 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org to learn about agencies in your county that can help you with your utility bill.
5. Be Proactive – Contact your utility company as soon as you know you will be unable to pay your bill on time. Do not wait for a shut-off notice.
6. Be Helpful – Share this information with family and friends! If you are able, you can donate to organizations that provide energy assistance for families in need.

Utility Assistance Programs

Winter can become stressful with high utility costs. Low-income Michiganders may qualify for assistance through MEAP. We are prepared to ensure everyone across the state stays warm this winter.

• State Emergency Relief – State Emergency Relief is a crisis intervention program that provides assistance for energy-related expenses like heating fuel, electricity, and home repairs. Those who can demonstrate need are encouraged to apply online through MI Bridges.
• Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) – The Michigan Public Service Commission administers MEAP. The purpose of MEAP is to establish and administer statewide programs that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. To seek help, contact 2-1-1 or your utility company to find programs in your area.
• Weatherization Assistance Program – The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy-conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services can reduce energy use and lower utility bills. Some of the services include insulation, air leakage reduction, smoke detectors, and dryer venting. These services are conducted by local Community Action Agencies and non-profit organizations. You can contact your local weatherization operator to start the application process.

Warming Centers Across the State

If you or your family need a place to escape the cold, make sure to find a warming center in your area. Below are links to warming centers across the state.

For assistance with housing or shelters that are not listed below, do not hesitate to reach out to my office at 517-335-7858.

• Detroit
• Macomb County
• Ann Arbor
• Pontiac
• Lansing
• Marquette
• Grand Rapids
• Flint

Drive Slow on Ice & Snow

Driving during bad winter weather is not recommended, but often unavoidable. If you have to drive in bad conditions, drive slowly and follow these tips from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning on how you can be safe on the roads:

1. Drive slow on ice & snow.
2. Before you head out, take the time to clear your car of snow and ice.
3. Stock your car with emergency supplies like warm clothing (blankets, hats, & gloves) and safety and visibility items (ice scraper, flashlight).
4. Make sure your tires and vehicle are suitable for winter weather. More info here.
5. Stay well behind snowplows, never try to pass them, and give extra space when approaching them from the opposite direction.
6. Know how to handle an emergency like getting stuck on a snowy road with a dead battery or running out of gas. More info here.

An online tool from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) called Mi Drive can show you many of the roads in Michigan that have been recently plowed, in addition to a wealth of other road safety information. Access Mi Drive at Michigan.gov/Drive.