Extreme Arctic temperatures and wind chills are expected through Saturday night in St. Joseph County, according to the National Weather Service.
The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, urges everyone to stay inside as much as possible, and if you go outside, dress warmly and cover up.
Frostbite can occur in just minutes.
Here’s the National Weather Service forecast for St. Joseph County:
Warming Center:
Gracepoint Church, 26268 U.S. 12, Sturgis Township, provides an overnight warming center.The Church is looking for volunteers to help and donations for the program, 269-651-4227
Run Water Recommendation:
Those residences whose water lines have frozen and may freeze should run a small stream of water during the extreme cold to prevent freezing.
Sturgis Department of Public Services recommend that residents allow a slow stream of water, about the size of a pencil, to run continuously from a single faucet. This will not guarantee that water lines won’t freeze, but it is the best possible measure.
Symptoms of frozen or freezing water service lines include a slight decrease in water pressure, water becoming rusty or cloudy, or extremely cold water below 35 degrees.
If you suspect frozen water lines, contact the Department of Public Services at 269-651-2879 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., or 269-467-4195 after business hours.
Department of Emergency Management Tips:
Prepare for travel emergencies. If you must drive, ensure your gas tank is full and your vehicle is stocked with an emergency kit, including warm clothing, blankets, gloves, hats, and a phone charger. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle and wait for help rather than walking in the cold.
Protect Pets and Animals:
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Here’s how to protect against the bitter Arctic cold
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Sturgis Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
