Weather related closings and delays

By: Melissa Hudson
Posted: Feb 24, 2016 12:10 PM EST | Updated: Feb 25, 2016 7:18 PM EST

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SNOW EMERGENCIES/TRAVEL ADVISORIES/PLOWING UPDATES

CLOSINGS, DELAYS, CANCELLATIONS:

  • All meetings at the St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds are cancelled and the fairgrounds are closed
  • Marshall County Government offices & buildings will be closed Thursday
  • All of the branches of the St. Joseph County Public Library are closed Thursday
  • LaPorte Medical Group is closed Thursday.
  • Elkhart County Board of Health Meeting Cancelled for February 25th
  • Vintage Coco Hair Studio and Spa will be closed Thursday
  • DuMor Water Specialists located at 4405 Wyland Drive in Elkhart IN 46516 is closed Thursday
  • Healthworks' Kids Museum in South Bend closed Thursday
  • Community Dental Clinic will be closed Thursday 2/25/2016
  • Kosciusko County Government offices are closed Thursday
  • Berrien County Courthouses, Health Dept., and Administration closed Thursday
  • Evergreen RV(All divisions) Closed Thursday-no production or office.
  • Silver Beach Carousel closed Feb. 25 due to weather
  • IUSB and Elkhart Center closed Thursday feb 25th due to weather
  • Elkhart Reformed Presbyterian Fresh Lunch canceled Thursday Feb. 25.
  • First Church of God in St. Joseph, Michigan will be on a two-hour delay Thursday Feb. 25. 
  • Warsaw Community Public Library will be closed Thursday Feb. 25.
  • Penn-Harris 4-H meeting Thursday night is canceled.
  • Young Minds Development Center will be closed Thursday Feb. 25.
  • East Bank Learning Center Daycare will be closed Thursday Feb. 25.
  • ADEC transportation will be on a two-hour delay Thursday Feb. 25.
  • Hesburgh Libraries ND Black Lives Matter Wikipedia Edit-a-thon rescheduled for Friday, March 4th from 6:00-8:00.
  • The Elkhart County Historical Museum open house was rescheduled for Wednesday, March 2nd from 6:30-8:00.

POWER OUTAGES:

Indiana Michigan Power says service to 75-percent of its customers has been restored. As of 5 p.m. about 1,500 customers in Michigan and 225 in the South Bend area are without service.

I&M expects to have power restored to 90-percent of Michigan and Indiana residents by midnight Thursday.

They expect to have 100 percent of Michigan customers restored by noon on Friday. Power is expected to be restored to all Indiana customers by 4 p.m. Friday.

SAFETY TIPS FROM THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

  • Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
  • Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Put Together a Supply Kit

  • Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
  • Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
  • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home
  • Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery
  • Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members
  • Ample alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves

       Remaining Safe During a Winter Storm

  • Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information on snow storms and blizzards from the National Weather Service (NWS).
  • Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles.
  • Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
  • Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold.
  • Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
  • Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the task.
  • Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
  • Help people who require special assistance such as elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

Caution: Carbon Monoxide Kills

  • Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
  • The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.
  • Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
  • If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.
  • Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

Cold-Related Emergencies

Frostbite and hypothermia are two dangerous and potentially life-threatening emergencies. Learn how to care for these emergencies by taking a first aid class.

If you get stranded while driving

  • Let someone know your route of travel.
  • Always keep your gas tank full when driving in cold weather.
  • Carry a winter survival kit in your car which is to include: blankets, extra warm clothes, flashlight, extra batteries, brightly colored cloth, sand or a bag of cat litter, shovel, candles and matches, non perishable high calorie foods, (nuts, raisins, and protein or energy bars), newspapers (for insulation), a first aid kit and jumper cables.
  • Do not leave your car if stranded, it is your best protection. Do not panic, an idling car only uses an average of one gallon of gas per hour. • Roll down a window a very small amount for fresh air.
  • Make sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • At night, leave your dome light on.
  • Always have your cell phone and a charger so you can call the Indiana State Police or local police.
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