Van Buren Township

Embracing 2023 Summer Heat Resources to Keep you Safe

As the summer heat intensifies, it is crucial for everyone to be aware of the potential hazards it poses.
On behalf of Director Samer Jaafar of the Wayne County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:
The National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) indicates an increase in ED visits for heat-related illnesses (HRI) (total of 101) since 5/27/2023 throughout Michigan. Most HRI visits were male (56%), between the ages of 18-44 (44%), white (72%), and non-Hispanic or Latino (87%). Most ED visits occurred in Kent, Oakland, and Wayne Counties.
Weather forecasts indicate temperature highs in the high-80s to low-90s for the next few days. These are the first higher heat days this spring, and people’s bodies might not yet have acclimated to warmer temperatures. Nighttime low temperatures may also only reach the mid-60s, which could reduce the ability of people to recover from the daytime highs.
Having limited or no access to air conditioning during high-temperature days can lead to increases in HRI.
Here are some links to resources and information that will be helpful in responding to HRI:

MDHHS Heat Resources:
For people without air conditioning:
  • If someone in the home is at least 55 years old, or if air conditioning is medically necessary, apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) by visiting MI Bridges.
  • Text or call Michigan 211 (mi211.org)
  • Use a buddy system - check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you
  • Spend time at a shopping mall, public library, or other public buildings - even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help.
 
The CDC has a series of resources related to heat-related illness and CO poisonings:
 
MDHHS Environmental Health Services:
EH Hotline - 1-800-648-6942(Monitored M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with after-hours service for emergency)

Click here for Wayne County's list of Warming and Cooling Centers with hours, addresses, and contact information for each location.