City Officials working to keep residents warm amid power outages

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Some cities across Michiana have set up warming sites for residents, as thousands of homes are still without power, following Friday’s winter storm.

The freezing rain and snow caused widespread power outages and left many people in the dark now city officials throughout the area are trying to help.

As crews across Michiana continue to work to restore power, both the cities of South Bend and Elkhart have opened warming stations to assist their residents.

The Century Center in South Bend is being used as an emergency warming site and will be open until the need persists. Electrical outlets for those who have medical or other needs will be made available, however

pets are not allowed inside.

In Elkhart, the fire department is opening six of its seven stations, as warming shelters for people. They will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day while the outage continues.

“There strategically placed around the city. This is a way that we can get people into a warm area and with electricity, if they need it,” City of Elkhart Communications Director, Connie Stright-Reed said.

Indiana Michigan Power will continue to get the lights back on in the South Bend and Elkhart region— with an estimate of 75 percent of homes restored by 11 p.m. Sunday, Jan.3, and 100 percent restored by 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4.

Available emergency shelters in Elkhart: 8 a.m.. to 8 p.m. (after 8 p.m. check Faith Mission

• Elkhart Fire 1: 500 East St, Elkhart, IN 46516
• Elkhart Fire 2: 300 W Lusher Ave, Elkhart, IN 46517
• Elkhart Fire 3: 1612 W Mishawaka Rd, Elkhart, IN 46517
• Elkhart Fire 4: 1037 Oak St, Elkhart, IN 46514
• Elkhart Fire 5: 515 Simpson Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516
• Elkhart Fire 7: 801 Co Rd 6, Elkhart, IN 46514

Available emergency shelters in South Bend:

Century Center: 120 Doctor M.L.K. Jr Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601