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Shelters opening up for families without power

Posted at 8:37 PM, Feb 07, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-08 19:57:47-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —  As thousands of Consumers Energy customers remain without power Friday,  several area warming centers and shelters are opening up for those in need.

The City of Grand Rapids has opened its Emergency Operations Centerwhich will be open 24 hours a day through at least Sunday.

“This storm has created a public safety issue for our residents,” says City Manager Mark Washington in the news release. “It’s critically important that we respond in a coordinated and effective way. Our Emergency Operations Center helps us prioritize issues and maximize our resources.”

As trees and branches continue to fall across the city, residents are encouraged to avoid being outside as much as they can. To report a fallen tree or branch blocking a street or sidewalk, call 311 Customer Service at (616)-456-3000.

Kent County and the American Red Cross have partnered to open up shelters at:

  • Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
  • Ottawa Hills High School  2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Greenville Middle School, 1321 W Chase St., Walker, MI
  • North Rockford Middle School, 397 E Division St. NE, Rockford, MI
  • Walker Fire Department, 1470 3 Mile Rd. NW, Walker, MI

Officials in Ottawa County have also opened their emergency shelter. If you have a long term outage and need shelter, call 1-800-249-0911.

There are also resources available for people living in Ionia and Montcalm Counties:

Ionia Armory, 439 West Main Street Ionia, MI 48846 and  Rave, 850 East Lincoln Ave.  Ionia, MI 48846 – Ionia residents who need shelter but lack transportation should call 2-1-1.

Have Mercy, 117 West Cass Street Greenville, MI 48838

In Muskegon County, the Salvation Army located at 1221 Shonat St. in Muskegon Township is open 24 hours a day.

If you see a downed power line:

  • Stay at least 25 feet away
  • Don’t touch anything it’s in contact with
  • Always presume power lines on the ground or overhead are energized and dangerous
  • Call 911, Consumers Energy at 800.477.5050 or 311 Customer Service at 616.456.3000