Royal Oak Schools Closed Tuesday, Warming Shelter Info, Safety Tips

The following information is from Royal Oak Schools Superintendent Shawn Lewis-Lakin.

Royal Oak Schools will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, due to continued hazardous weather and road conditions.   

The following information is from the  Royal Oak Police Department.

Inclement Weather Advisory

In addition to the significant amount of snowfall our area received. The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning until 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8th. 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. The westerly winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph with higher gusts by midday.

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. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold is very dangerous, especially for children, the elderly and pets. Exposure to such bitterly cold conditions will cause frost bite in a short period of time.

City workers and emergency services are actively clearing the roadways and assisting citizens in need. Keeping the roadways clear of vehicle traffic allows emergency services to respond to people in need faster and expedite the clearing of the roadways. 

For those in need of keeping warm, the following warming centers are available:

Senior Community Center   

• 3500 Marais Royal Oak Mi. 48073
• (North of 13 Mile, just south of Lexington Blvd, East of Crooks)
• Phone: (248) 246-3900
• Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 4:30pm

Royal Oak Public Library

• 222 E. Eleven Mile, Royal Oak, Mi. 48067 
• Phone: (248) 246-3700
• Hours
• Monday & Wednesday /10:00am – 9:00pm
• Tuesday & Thursday /12:00pm – 9:00pm
• Friday & Saturday /10:00am – 6:00pm
• Sunday / Closed

Starr Presbyterian Church – Royal Oak- W

• 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: Day and Evening   

Additional tips during the winter season:

• Use space heaters only as a supplementary source of heat. These devices are not intended to replace the home’s heating source.
• Keep all space heaters at least 3 feet away from household combustibles.
• 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.
• Use extra caution while driving on the roadway or walking on sidewalks.
• Please look out for stranded motorists and contact the police to assist.
• Keep pets inside and monitor them when they are let out for short periods
• Please check on your elderly or vulnerable neighbors to ensure they have proper clothing, food and heat.

Please contact the Royal Oak Police Department immediately if you need assistance at (248) 246-3500.