Royal Oak Police Issue Inclement Weather Advisory

The following information was provided by the Royal Oak Police Department.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory that will remain in effect until 4 p.m. this afternoon. It is expected the wind chill will drop to between 15 and 25 degrees below zero this morning. The wind chill readings will remain around 15 degrees below zero during the afternoon.

Due to the extreme weather conditions, the City of Royal Oak is recommending the citizens of Royal Oak keep driving to a minimum and remain indoors as much as possible until weather conditions improve. Exposure to extreme cold is very dangerous, especially for children, the elderly and pets.

The Royal Oak Library, the Royal Oak Senior Center and the Salter Center (Boys and Girls Club) have been designated as warming centers.

Royal Oak Public Library

o 222 E. Eleven Mile, Royal Oak, MI 48067

o Phone: (248) 246-3700

o Hours Friday / 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Senior Center

o 3500 Marais Royal Oak MI 48073

o Phone: (248) 246-3900

o Hours Friday / 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Salter Center (Boys and Girls Club)

o 1545 E. Lincoln, Royal Oak, MI 48067

o Phone: (248) 544-4166

o Hours Friday / 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

In addition to the designated warming centers, Starr Presbyterian Church-Welcome Inn and St. Mary’s Church are available for the homeless.

St. Mary’s Church

o 730 S. Lafayette Royal Oak, MI 48067

o Phone: (248) 547-1818

o Hours Overnight warming shelter from 9 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.

Starr Presbyterian Church – Royal Oak

o 1717 W. 13 Mile, Royal Oak, MI 48073

o (Will transport to St. Mary’s Church at 730 S. Lafayette Royal Oak, MI

48073 at 7:30 p.m.

o Phone: (248) 288-3230

o Hours Friday / 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

As a reminder, Royal Oak Fire Chief Chuck Thomas, advises residents to use caution with space heaters and provides the following tips:

• Keep all space heaters at least 3 feet away from household combustibles.
• Use space heaters only as a supplementary source of heat. These
• devices are not intended to replace the home’s heating source.
• Do not use extension cords with space heaters.
• Inspect the heater’s cord for frayed wires or damage.
• Heaters should be placed on a flat, level surface.
• Unless the heater is designed for bathrooms do not use in damp places.
• Look for the UL Mark on your electric heater.
• If you have a liquid-fueled space heater, use only the fuel recommended
• by the manufacturer. The wrong fuel could burn hotter than the equipment
• was designed for and cause a serious fire.
• When refueling, turn off the heater and let it cool down completely before
• refueling.

Residents should also check the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Residents are reminded that smoke detectors should be placed on each floor of the house and near bedrooms.

“It is also advised that stoves are not to be used as a heating device, this is extremely dangerous. This unsafe act has caused fires and serious burns to home owners” said  Thomas.

Any resident in need of assistance is encouraged to contact the Royal Oak Police Department immediately at 248-246-3500.

Snow Emergency conditions are generally defined as a snowfall of four inches or more and will remain in effect until your street has been plowed. All vehicles on residential streets are to be removed or will be ticketed or towed. Vehicles are to remain off the streets until plow trucks have gone through the area. Once a snow emergency is called and plowing begins, it takes approximately 24-36 hours to plow all city streets, depending on how much snow has fallen. Residents may call the Snow Emergency Hotline, 246-3442, to find out if a snow emergency is in effect or go to http://www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us for more information.