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The 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 today at 4 p.m. (Thursday, Dec. 22) through 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 24.
The National Weather Service at Grand Rapids issued a blizzard warning for the counties of Kent, Mason, Lake, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, and Kalamazoo. Please understand that conditions will get progressively worse with every hour that goes by during the storm.
The Kent County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to take all necessary preparedness measures to help ensure their safety.
How to Prepare Before Inclement Weather Starts
Consider Changing Travel Plans
- Listen to travel advisories by the National Weather Service.
- Travelling in blizzard conditions is dangerous and not recommended. If you travel on Thursday, 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
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 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, and 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.
Click here for more tips and information on preparation.
During the Storm
The National Weather Service is predicting total snow accumulations of 10 to 20 inches, with winds gusting as high as 45 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 911 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.
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. Before going to one of the warming centers, please call the facility to confirm availability, rules, and regulations.
ALANO CLUB OF KENT COUNTY – 1020 College Ave NE – 616-456-5709
Daily 7:30am-9pm. Open during the Holiday
DEGAGE MINISTRIES – 139 Sheldon SE – 616-454-1661
Daily 7am-7pm. (Women’s overnight intake starts at 3pm each day) Open during the Holiday
EXODUS PLACE – 322 Front Ave SW – 616-242-9130
Mon-Fri, 7am-7pm (men only) Open during the Holiday
GOD’S KITCHEN – 303 S. Division Ave – 616-224-0217
12:30pm-2pm Mon-Sat Closed on Sunday
HEARTSIDE MINISTRY – 200 S. Division Ave – 616-235-7211
Daily, 8am-5pm Open during the Holiday
MEL TROTTER MINISTRIES – 225 Commerce Ave SW – 616-454-8249
All Shelter is open daily 4pm – 7am (Families, Men, Women, Transgender) Open during Holiday
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.
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 lift 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
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Layer-up
- Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia
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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.
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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.
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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 Twitter.
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2-1-1 - Residents should call 2-1-1 for information and referral services to health, human, and social service organizations.
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Kent County Non-Emergency Line: 616-632-6100, option 1
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9-1-1 - Residents should call 9-1-1- if a person is injured or needs immediate medical attention; if a car accident with confirmed injuries or where the accident is severe; if confirmed fire or presence of carbon monoxide; a 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
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City of Grand Rapids Non-Emergency Line: 616-456-3400
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American Red Cross of West Michigan - Residents who need assistance with medical equipment should call 616-456-8661
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Kent County Incident Map - this interactive map highlights all of the incidents occurring in the County
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National Weather Service Grand Rapids for travel and weather advisories.
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Kent County Road Commission: Follow the Road Commission on social media for updates on road conditions. 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. Click here for additional information regarding storm response.
Customers should directly contact their utility company to receive estimates of when their power might be restored.
Media Inquiries Only:
Sgt. Eric Brunner * EM: eric.brunner@kentcountymi.gov
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