Southwest Berrien County is still in a state of recovery from Monday night’s incredible rain storms. The Berrien County Emergency Operations Center provided this update on the situation.
WEDNESDAY 4 PM UPDATE:
The four Berrien County Cooling stations are closing as of 4pm. Improved temperature conditions and low levels of utilization dictated the shutdown, according to officials.
WEDNESDAY NOON UPDATE:
An additional cooling station has been opened at Lakeshore Public Schools Auditorium. To access this cooling station please use door #10 which is at the north entrance of John Beers Road.
Lakeshore Public Schools Auditorium – 5771 Cleveland Ave, Stevensville MI 49127
Wednesday Mid-Morning UPDATE:
Due to the continued power outages and flooding in the southwest portion of
Berrien County, the Berrien County Emergency Operations Center has been
activated again today. Additional storms last night with damaging winds and heavy
rain caused the current power outage to be extended for several hours. With the
temperatures rising and the potential for higher than normal heat index there have
been cooling stations set up at the following locations as of 10:00 AM today.
New Buffalo Township Public Safety Building – 18959 US-12, New Buffalo MI 49117
Michiana Village Hall – 4000 Cherokee Drive, New Buffalo MI 49117
Lake Township Hall – 3220 W. Shawnee Road, Bridgman MI 49106
Each of these locations are open and operational if individuals need to utilize them
and get out of the warm conditions or charge cell phones or other electronic
devices.
The health and safety of those visiting the cooling centers is a priority. Face masks
are recommended for everyone visiting the center, regardless of COVID-19
vaccination status. Any individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be asked
to isolate onsite. Those visiting cooling centers are encouraged to take key
protective actions such as washing hands often, keeping physical distance from
others where possible.
For individuals who have experienced damage due to the flooding the following link
is available:
https://www.berriencounty.org/FormCenter/Emergency-Management-14/Report-Disaster-Damage-66
If individuals have questions or need assistance for non-emergency issues they are
requested to call 2-1-1. We will continue to update information as it becomes
available and if other cooling stations become available.
ROAD CLOSURES:
The following roads are still closed at this time due to high water and possible
culvert issues under the roadway. Each of these roads may be closed for a
considerable amount of time.
Holden Road – Between Shawnee and Snow Roads
California Road – Between Ott Road and Snow Roads
Several fire departments have been responding to carbine monoxide calls at
residences that are using generators without adequate ventilation. We are providing
the following link regarding the proper use of generators. Always make sure you
have adequate air flow around the generator.
https://www.cdc.gov/co/generatorsafetyfactsheet.htm
