In this e-newsletter:
- Douglass Community Association Open as Warming Center 24/7
- Daytime Warming Centers
- Surviving Power Outages
- Dealing with the Aftermath and Insurance
- State of Emergency Declaration
Douglass Community Association Open 24/7
The Red Cross has opened a 24-hour shelter at the Douglass Community Association located at 1000 W. Paterson St. in Kalamazoo.
The Red Cross will provide cots, food and water. If you are in need of a meal or a place to charge your phone and warm up for any amount of time, please take advantage of this resource.
If you are planning to stay overnight, bringing your own bedding is highly encouraged. Please make sure to bring your necessary medications and toiletries. Please also bring things to occupy your children.
Daytime Warming Centers
There are two warming centers for daytime hours currently operating at The River Church on 517 Walbridge St. and The Salvation Army on 1700 S. Burdick St. The Salvation Army (Hosted by Kalamazoo Coalition for the Homeless) location is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Fridays.
The River Church (hosted by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo) is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Gospel Mission is open for overnight stays. Click here for more information.
Surviving Power Outages
Staying warm and safe when the power goes out is the highest priority for our families. Click here for a Michigan Public Service Commission checklist for what to do when the power goes out.
Keeping your family out of the cold and in a heated space safely often requires an alternative heating source when the electricity is disrupted. For different options and how to use them safely, please click here.
Consumers Energy has updated its outage map. Please visit their website to check the estimated time power in your area will be restored. Additionally, please DO NOT touch or go near downed power lines, as they can be very dangerous. They recommend staying at least 25 feet away from any downed line. You can call (800)-477-5050 to report a downed line.
For those members of our community running portable generators to power select appliances, it is vital that you take appropriate measures to ensure that the generator is running safely. Click here for a resource on utilizing portable generators to keep your family safe.
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Dealing with the Aftermath
Many of us will be dealing with damage to our homes, vehicles and other property as a result of the storm. Whether dealing with a fallen tree or wind or water damage, you may need to file an insurance claim. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is here to help you through the process.
For help dealing with your insurance company, please feel free to contact the Office of Consumer Services toll-free at (877)999-6442 with any questions you may have. DIFS can help answer questions regarding what an insurer must do and help explain policy language.
- DIFS Consumer Counselor: Insurance Policies and How to Claim What is Yours
- DIFS Guide to Resolving Insurance Problems/Complaint Form
- How to be “Claim Smart”
- DIFS Consumer Counselor: Homeownership vs. Repair Cost Policies
- Insurance Claims Tracking Sheet
State of Emergency Declaration
Kalamazoo County has declared a state of emergency in order to access additional resources to deal with the devastation caused by the ice storm. Emergency operations centers have been activated, and staff at all levels are working to identify needs throughout the county. Rep. Rogers is working with local units of government to help mobilize resources as quickly as possible to assist our residents. She is helping to facilitate contacts between Kalamazoo County, cities, and townships and the governor’s office to ensure that the county has all the necessary resources to meet this challenge head-on.