EAST LANSING, MI— The City of East Lansing is providing two warming centers for the public to stay warm during this week’s expected extreme cold.
The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather advisory for the area from 1 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23 through 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. During this time, wind chills are expected to be as low as 20 to 25 below zero. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur quickly when unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
WARMING CENTERS
The East Lansing Hannah Community Center (ELHCC), 819 Abbot Road, is open as a warming center from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday; and noon-8 p.m. Sunday.
The East Lansing Public Library (ELPL), 950 Abbot Road, is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.
Anyone who needs a ride to a warming center is encouraged to call CATA at (517) 394-6520.
OTHER IMPORTANT SAFTEY INFORMATION
During the extremely cold temperatures, community members are reminded of the following tips to protect themselves and others:
- Limit or avoid time outdoors.
- Dress in loose layers and cover all exposed skin.
- Consume hot foods and warm drinks, avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially those who are more vulnerable to the cold.
- Bring pets indoors.
To prevent pipe damage and protect homes, the City advises property owners and residents of the following tips:
- Open sink cabinets to let warm air reach pipes.
- Keep heat on and maintain steady indoor temperatures, even through the night.
- Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior water if possible.
- Apply heat tape to any water pipes located in unheated spaces such as a garage or crawl space.
- In older homes with limited insulation or those that have a history of freezing pipes, consider allowing interior faucets located along exterior walls to drip slightly.
Drivers are reminded to take it slow on ice and snow. The effectiveness of salt decreases as the temperature drops into single digits.
Additionally, drivers are reminded to be cautious around snowplows, staying at least 200 feet (approximately 13.3 car lengths) behind a plow and never passing one on the right.
For information about snow removal in the City, please visit the FAQ section of the website at https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/m/faq?cat=23.
