LIVONIA (WWJ) - Those going into their second day without power after severe storms blasted through Southeast Michigan are now dealing with sweltering heat on Friday -- and city officials in Livonia are trying to bring some relief.
As of 6:30 a.m., DTE is reporting 78,086 customers in the dark following Wednesday's storms. The number of outages is down from 130,000 on Thursday evening, but DTE officials said it may be the end of the day on Saturday, July 29, before everyone gets back online.
The City of Livonia, one of the hardest-hit areas, opened an emergency center at the Kirksey Recreation Center on Thursday located at 15100 Hubbard St. to serve residents who need to charge devices, get some sleep, get out of the sun and take showers.
WWJ's Mike Campbell was in the area Friday morning where a large number of outages remain.
"I was driving in from basically 7 Mile down to I-96, it's all dark," he said. "There's a lot of areas without power specifically in Livonia, that's why Livonia has opened the Jack Kirksey Recreation Center."
According to a rec center supervisor, the city can help all those living in the city limits. The facility itself is without power, Campbell added, but backup generators are making its operation successful.
"It would be unlimited for the Livonia residents," he said to Campbell when asked how many people the center can provide for.
"You get enough cots for everybody if they want to?" Campbell asked.
"Well, we have quite a few, yes," the supervisor replied.
Right now, the center is only open to those living in Livonia. Those looking to stay overnight must call the center at 734-466-2900 two hours before closing to make sure they can be accommodated.
The recreation center hours are:
• 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays
• 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays
• 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays
Campbell reported that the center's pool and other facilities are not open due to being on back-up generators.
"They have no air conditioning, they're running fans," he said. "It's stuffy in there, but at least you can shower and shave."
According to the National Weather Service, Michigan is experiencing a "mini heat wave" that is sweeping across the county. AccuWeather meteorologist Dean Devore said temperatures on Friday afternoon are forecasted to swelter Metro Detroit with AccuWeather Real Feel temperatures reaching 100 to 105 degrees.
State officials have offered the following tips for Michiganders experiencing extreme heat:
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. Anyone on a fluid-restricted diet or who has a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. People with epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease should also consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.Spend time in air-conditioned places. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spend some time each day in an air-conditioned environment such as public libraries, shopping malls or other indoor public spaces.
• Stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Hot, heavy meals add heat to your body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.