Royal Oak Police Issue Inclement Weather Advisory Update

The following information is from the Royal Oak Police Department:

• Phone: (248) 544-4166
• Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Inclement Weather Advisory

The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning that will remain in effect until 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8. It is expected the wind chill will drop to between 20 and 30 below zero today and then bottom out near 35 below zero tonight into Tuesday 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 and the Royal Oak Senior Center have been designated as warming centers.

Royal Oak Public Library

• 222 E. Eleven Mile, Royal Oak, Mi. 48067
• Phone: (248) 246-3700
• Hours: Monday & Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Tuesday & Thursday, noon – 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 10a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday closed

Senior Center

• 3500 Marais Royal Oak Mi. 48073
• Phone: (248) 246-3900
• Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the designated warming centers, Starr Presbyterian Church’s Welcome Inn is available for the homeless.

Starr Presbyterian Church – Royal Oak

• 1717 W. 13 Mile, Royal Oak, Mi. 48073
• (Will transport to the Renaissance Vineyard Church at 1841 Pinecrest,
• Ferndale Mi, (248) 545-4664)
• Phone: (248) 288-3230
• Hours: 6 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Space heater tips

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.

Call for assistance

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

As a reminder, Snow Emergency conditions are generally defined as a snowfall of 4 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 romi.gov  for more information.

Also be sure to visit the City of Royal Oak web site at romi.gov to sign up for the City of Royal Oak’s email and digital subscription service. Be among the first to be notified of new e-packet agendas, crime alerts, special note worthy items and other City related news.