Royal Oak Police Issue Inclement Weather Advisory

The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory that will remain in effect until noon today. A wind chill warning will then be in effect from noon today to noon on  Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014. Wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph this morning will create considerable blowing and drifting of snow. 

Temperatures will fall through the single digits today and then drop below zero tonight. 

The low temperatures combined with the winds will allow wind chill readings to drop to  10 to 20 below zero 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. The wind chills will drop to as low as 25 to 35 degrees below zero tonight. These low wind chill readings will continue through Wednesday morning. 

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: Monday & Wednesday / 10:00am – 9:00pm 
  Tuesday /12:00pm – 9:00pm 

Senior Center
 
o 3500 Marais, Royal Oak, MI 48073 
o Phone: (248) 246-3900 
o Hours: Monday - Wednesday / 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

The Salter Center (Boys & Girls Club) 
 
o 1545 E. Lincoln, Royal Oak, MI 48067 
o Phone: (248) 544-4166 
o Hours: Monday - Wednesday / 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

In addition to the designated warming centers, Starr Presbyterian Church-Welcome Inn and Genesis: The Church are available for the homeless. 

Genesis: The Church 

o 309 N. Main St., Royal Oak, MI 48067 
o Phone: (248) 542-2266 
o Hours: Overnight warming shelter from 8:15 p.m. – 6:45 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: Monday - Wednesday / 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

The City of Royal Oak has not declared a snow emergency; however, the Department of Public Service will plow residential streets. Residents are encouraged, but not required, to move their parked vehicles from the roadway. 

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.