Dear Neighbor,
Please know that as we continue to face the pandemic’s challenges and its ripple effects throughout our society, my staff and I are here for you. If you need support or resources, have any questions regarding legislation or state government in general, please feel free to reach out to me at my office via email or by calling toll-free (855) 473-4635.
Stay safe,
Brenda Carter
State Representative 29th House District
In this issue:
- Upcoming Coffee Hour
- Pontiac New Vaccination Center
- Tips for staying safe and warm during a cold snap
Upcoming Coffee Hour
Please join me for my next community conversation hour on Monday, March 8 at 8 a.m. meeting details to follow.
Pontiac New Vaccination Center
I want to thank Mayor Waterman, the Pontiac City Council and Oakland County Health Dept. for partnering together to open a vaccination site at the Bowen Senior Center. Visit oaklandcountyvaccine.com for additional information.
Tips for staying safe and warm during a cold snap
As you know, sub-zero temperatures have taken hold of the state, and it might be a while before they let go. Below are some resources from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to help you stay warm this winter. For information about the MPSC, visit www.Michigan.gov/MPSC.
If you or someone you know needs additional assistance or has concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and my staff via email or by calling toll-free (855) 473-4635.
Supplemental heating sources
- Space heaters, fireplaces and other supplemental heating sources bring risks, including fires. Portable heating fires in homes peak in January and February. Keep your household safe with these MPSC’s guidelines for safe use of supplemental heating.
- If your power goes out and you use a generator to supply electricity, do so safely by following the MPSC’s tips on portable generator safety.
- MSPC’s power outage checklist can help you be prepared if your electric service goes out.
- Remember to be sure that your furnace exhaust isn’t covered by snow or ice. A covered exhaust can lead to carbon monoxide venting into your home.
Utility bill assistance
- Households struggling to pay energy bills should contact their utility, call 211 or go to mi211.org.
- Information on emergency bill assistance, affordable payment plans and other forms of help is available through the MPSC’s consumer tip sheet on applying for utility assistance, a tip sheet on energy assistance and shutoff protection, and the Be Winterwise
Energy savings
- Help reduce your energy use — and utility bills — with seasonal and year-round tips on energy savings from the U.S. Department of Energy, which publishes fall and winter tips and year-round ways to save.