Christmas Blessings - Midland County

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Christmas Blessings - Midland County
January 2023

            Christmas Blessings

 Liz Ward, Ann Mahaffy, Cathy Lunsford, Patty Schwab, Kim Oswald, Angie Meyers,
                       Christina Crawford (wrapping crew)

Midland County Employees/retirees and Attorney Angela Cole
 made Christmas brighter for the 41st time! More on page 3.

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Christmas Blessings - Midland County
January is National
 Blood Donor Month
 Did you know that every two seconds in America,                       IMPORTANT DATES
 someone needs blood?
                                                                                  January
  This demand goes well beyond those facing an                        National Blood Donor Month
 unexpected emergency like a car crash. Blood                   9th Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
 transfusions are regularly needed to treat patients facing
                                                                11th Human Trafficking Awareness Day
 everything from diseases like cancer to cardiovascular
 and orthopedic surgeries to organ and bone marrow              16th Martin Luther King Jr. Day, County
                                                                             offices closed
 transplants. In total, 1 in 7 people entering a hospital
 depend on a ready and available blood supply.                         18th National Michigan Day
                                                                           29th National Puzzle Day
  As important as blood
 is to so many of us,
 just three percent of all                                                        February
 Americans donate blood                                                     American Heart Month
 today. That’s despite the                                                   Black History Month
 fact that 65 percent of                                      27 - 5 Eating Disorders Awareness Week
                                                                th    th

 the U.S. population is
                                                                     1st Girls & Women in Sports Day
 eligible to do. Less than
 20 percent of all blood                                                      3rd Wear Red Day
 donations each year                                          11st Intl. Day of Women & Girls in Science
 come from individuals in                                                    14th Valentines Day
 communities of color and                                     20th Presidents Day, County offices closed
 donations from individuals
 19 and under have dropped nearly 50 percent over the
 last two years alone. This reality has created an urgent
 need for younger, more diverse donors.
                                                               BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
 That’s why it’s so important to celebrate National Blood
 Donor Month this January. This month is our chance to               INFO ONLINE
 spread awareness about the need for more blood donors         Check the Board’s Meeting Calendar.
 while taking time to celebrate those who already donate      Look up agendas and minutes for all Board
 and help save lives.                                         and Committee meetings on BoardDocs.
                                                                       View Recorded Meetings.
  The first such month was proclaimed by President
 Richard Nixon and held in January of 1970 to pay tribute
 to voluntary blood donors and encourage more people              Published monthly by the County
 to give for the first time.                                        of Midland for employees and
                                                                 county residents. Submit content to
 A lot may have changed over the last five decades,            MidlandCountyNewsEditor@gmail.com.
                                                               Subscribe to receive reminder when our
 but the need for blood – and the selflessness of those
                                                                       newsletter is published.
 who answer the call to give it – has remained constant.
 We thank all those who regularly donate blood. Their
 decision to give generously today helps save lives and                       Subscribe
 gives more people their tomorrow.
 More Information:                                                         County of Midland

 americasblood.org/events/national-blood-donor-month-2023/                 220 W. Ellsworth St.
 redcrossblood.org/
 donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/auth/signin                             MIDLAND, MI 48640

January 2023                                                                                              2
Christmas Blessings - Midland County
Christmas Blessings

          Former County Commissioner Scott
              Noesen and Angela Cole

                                                             Midland County Employees/retirees
                                                                 and Attorney Angela Cole made
                                                               Christmas brighter for the 41st time
                                                                by providing gifts and food for two
                                                               local families. Supporting a family
                                                              with everything needed to make the
                                                            holiday special is an effort traditionally
                                                                coordinated through the Register
                                                               of Deeds Office. Christina Crawford
                                                              from the Treasurer’s office, Michelle
                                                            Hoover, Chief Deputy Register of Deeds
                                                             and Jenny Anway, County Register of
                                                               Deeds made up the committee that
                                                              coordinated donations from County
                                                            employees, helped shop, wrap and set
                                                                    up delivery to the families.
                                                               Former County Commissioner Scott
                                                            Noesen and Angela Cole delivered gifts,
                                                            including a visit from Santa himself. One
                                                              family said, “it was the highlight of the
                                                              day for their three year old son. Thank
                                                                you for all you have done for us, it’s
                                                                      been such a blessing!”
   Michelle Hoover, Deb Stieve, Jenny Anway, Beth Murray,
                  Register of Deeds office                     Thank you again Midland County!

January 2023                                                                                              3
Christmas Blessings - Midland County
Respiratory Virus Update
 January 4, 2023

                                                          Dr. Catherine M Bodnar, MD, MPH
                                                                           Medical Director
                                                 Midland County Department of Public Health
 “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin
 The reason we no longer have smallpox and outbreaks of paralytic polio is very simple:
 vaccination. Vaccines are one of the great public health achievements, second only to clean
 drinking water, in reduction of severe illness and death. The World Health Organization lists 25
 vaccines available to either prevent, or contribute to the prevention and control of infections, along
 with a number of vaccines in the pipeline.
 We have had an unprecedented respiratory virus season with a tripledemic of respiratory syncytial
 virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. RSV and flu have appeared much earlier in the 2022-2023
 respiratory virus season than typical years. RSV cases have peaked and are on the downturn.
 Influenza has peaked early and is starting to recede in many parts of the country, but Michigan was
 slower to rise and did not see a high flu activity level until mid-December. Michigan is still seeing
 increasing flu as of December 24, 2022. Michigan’s goal is to vaccinate 4 million people during the
 2022-2023 flu season. The state is at just over 78% of this goal.
 ‘Tis the season for influenza and it is not too late to get the seasonal flu shot. It is a good match to
 circulating flu strains this year. The best way to protect yourself from the seasonal influenza virus
 is by vaccinating yourself and your loved ones. COVID-19 is still a threat in our state and it is more
 important than ever to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and get your bivalent booster if you
 have not done so already.
 Midland County is at a low COVID-19 community level, with substantial transmission levels, as of
 December 29, 2022. However, it is not a time to be complacent and imagine COVID-19 is gone. The
 US is seeing the rise of new immune evading SARS-CoV-2 variants. There is concern that omicron
 XBB.1.5 could drive a new surge of COVID-19 in our community. This variant is driving an uptick of
 cases in the northeast US. XBB.1.5 arose in the US in the fall, being first detected in New York and
 Connecticut. XBB.1.5 is a recombination of two descendants of omicron BA.2, which was prevalent
 in Michigan in the late spring and early summer of 2022. It is more transmissible, but does not
 appear to make people sicker compared to other omicron variants. Currently XBB.1. makes up only
 6% of COVID-19 cases in our Midwest region. The predominant strains are omicron BQ.1.1 (42.3%)
 and omicron BQ.1 (28.3%), subvariants of omicron BA.5, which has been the predominant strain
 through the summer and fall of 2022.
 Bottom line: Get your annual flu shot and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Although
 COVID-19 vaccines may not prevent transmission, they still reduce risk of serious illness,
 hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
 References:

 Cold and Flu Season Plan: link to last month’s county newsletter article “Make a plan for cold and flu season”
 Vaccine preventable diseases: who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/diseases
 Weekly US Flu Map: cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm
 CDC Community COVID-19 Levels: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html
 CDC COVID-19 Variant Proportions: covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions

January 2023                                                                                                      4
Christmas Blessings - Midland County
Midland County Department of Public Health
 Recognizes January as Radon Action Month

                                                               Jim Henry, RS, MBA
                                                      Environmental Health Director
                                         Midland County Department of Public Health

 January is National Radon Action Month – Radon is a tasteless, odorless, colorless, radioactive
 gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It enters homes through
 openings in the foundation floor and walls and can get into the air we breathe.
 Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. There are no
 warning signs or symptoms (it does not
 cause headaches, nausea or fatigue).
 The Environmental Protection Agency
 (EPA) estimates that approximately
 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are
 radon related.
 Jim Henry, Environmental Health
 Director at Midland County Department
 of Public Health (MCDPH), explained;
 “One in eight Michigan homes is likely
 to have an elevated radon level. The only
 way to know if you and your family are at
 risk is to test.”
 The EPA recommends that houses
 with radon levels of 4 picocuries per
 liter or more should be fixed to prevent
 accumulation of the gas indoors. Caulking and sealing is rarely adequate as a stand-alone
 mitigation option. To get guaranteed results, a trained contractor can be hired to install a radon
 mitigation system, usually within a day. The cost is similar to that of many common home repairs,
 such as painting or having a new water heater installed (anywhere from $500 to about $2,500).
 Free radon test kits are available during the month of January at the Midland County
 Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Services Division, located at 220 W.
 Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640.
 For more information, please contact MCDPH at (989) 832-6380 or visit:
 co.midland.mi.us/HealthDepartment/EnvironmentalHealthServices/Radon.aspx
 michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/indoor-radon
 epa.gov/radon/radon-frequently-asked-questions

January 2023                                                                                          5
Christmas Blessings - Midland County
To the Citizens of the County of Midland: I am pleased to present the County’s Financial Summary
 for the fiscal year 2021. This document, more commonly known as a Popular Annual Financial
 Report (PAFR), is the County’s third publication intended to enhance your understanding of county
 government and how it utilizes your tax dollars. Midland County has a solid reputation for fiscal
 excellence as demonstrated by our 2021 AA bond rating by Standard & Poor’s (S&P).
 Each year, the County publishes its audit, also called the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
 (ACFR). Much of this information is technical and complex, resulting in a document that is not
 very user friendly for the average person. Comprised of 246 pages, the ACFR consists of detailed
 financial statements, note disclosures, supplemental schedules, and statistical tables, all of which
 are prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the
 standards and guidelines set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. The ACFR also
 includes an independent auditor’s report stating that the information contained in the financial
 statements has been reviewed by the firm and that, with reasonable assurances, the financial
 information is complete, presented accurately, and in the correct format.
 Counties historically have been the “least known” local government. In contrast to cities,
 townships, and villages, we do not provide “daily services” like utilities (water, sewer, etc.) or trash
 pickup. Rather, we are “there when you need us” for things like immunizations from the Health
 Department, passports from the County Clerk, dog licenses from the Treasurer, or to pay a traffic
 ticket when necessary. The County also offers many human service-related programs, such as
 Veterans Services, Community Corrections (including services for substance abuse), and Drug
 Court programs. Property taxes, intergovernmental revenue for operating grants and contributions,
 and charges for services finance most of these activities. We hope this document will empower you
 to better understand county government and enhance – not replace – the accompanying ACFR,
 which is available for reference here.

                     Bridgette M. Gransden, CPA, CGFM
                     Administrator/Controller

January 2023                                                                                                6
Christmas Blessings - Midland County
Midland County Employee Service Awards
                                                   December 6, 2022

                         5 years                                                  10 years
        Jessica Gilkins - Board of Commissioners         C                 Laurie Tarkowski - Finance

                                                         O
                 John Keefer - County Clerk                              Michelle Speltz - Circuit Court
                 Nicole Nagel - County Clerk                             Paige Hoffman - District Court

                                                         N
           Brenda Pollard - Human Resources                              Gerald Ladwig - District Court
         Lance Dexter - Trial Court Administrator                      Michael Alexander - District Court
               Amanda Hausmann - Drug Court                             Steve Wixson - Public Guardian

                                                         G
                Kendall Kobel - Sheriff/Road                     Marisa Boulton - Community Corrections
                    Gregory Price - Health                                    Julie Baker - Health

                                                         R
                  Holly Karpovich - Health                                   Beverly Pyles - Health
                   Elisabeth Mudd - Health                             Katrina McLaughlin - District Court
               Nicholas Swanson - Sheriff/Jail                             Brian Keidel - Sheriff/Jail

                                                         A
                Nicholas Solosky - Sheriff/Jail                           Cora Zinnbauer - Sheriff/Jail
        Clarence Williams - Juvenile Care Center                       Jay Latoski - Juvenile Care Center

                                                         T
           Ryan Tijerina - Juvenile Care Center                              Paul Bass – Facilities

                        15 years                                                  20 years
                Michael Beale - Circuit Court
                                                         U              April Histed - Circuit Court Clerk

                                                         L
               Stephen Carras - Circuit Court                             Mary Cornell - Equalization
                Tina Branson - District Court                          Katie Gensel - Friend of the Court
          Alice Flowers - Prosecuting Attorney                           Lori Enszer - Public Guardian

                                                         A
           Kelly Allen - Prosecuting Attorney                         Barbara Hendrickson - Sheriff/Admin
                  Nicole Swanton - Health                                 Jeffery Kozak - Sheriff/Road

                                                         T
          Sharon Willsie - Juvenile Care Center                          Jeffery Derocher - Sheriff/Jail
                                                                             Robert Wolfe - Health

                                                         I
                                                                             Fred Yanoski – Health

                         25 years                                                 30 years
                                                         O
            Debra Finney - Friend of the Court                                Tina Oliver - Health
               Lisa Kirk - Family Court Juvenile                         Jesus Gonzalez Jr. - Pinecrest

                                                         N
                  Daniel Teer - Sheriff/Road
         Julie Reed-Little - Juvenile Care Center

                                                         S
          Korey Gillespie - Juvenile Care Center
           Troy Nalazek - Juvenile Care Center
         Thomas Lebrun - Juvenile Care Center

                                                         !
          Matthew Dilts - Juvenile Care Center
            Douglas Allen - Mosquito Control
                Denise Adcock - County Clerk
                                                                           Kelly Allen & Alice Flowers

January 2023                                                                                                 7
Christmas Blessings - Midland County
Residents of Pinecrest
Farms enjoyed the holidays
   with Christmas crafts,
  plenty of entertainment
  and a Christmas party!
Christmas Blessings - Midland County
MBA Advisory Committee on Infrastructure Introduces Initial
 Midland Flood Reduction Plan
 While the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues the hydraulic/hydrologic study of the
 Tittabawassee River Watershed, the Midland Business Alliance (MBA) Advisory Committee on
 Infrastructure wants to get a head start on flood reduction and resiliency projects.
 “The Corps of Engineers study is expected to be completed in 2024,” said Lee Ann Keller, co-chair
 of the advisory committee. “While they are creating the complex and necessary flood modeling, we
 wanted to continue looking for solutions we could advance – and work to fund – in the meantime.
 We asked the engineers at the Spicer Group to look at areas that frequently experience flooding and
 offer ideas.”
 Spicer Group engineers focused on Sturgeon Creek, Snake Creek and the Inman Drain areas in
 Midland.
 “When the Tittabawassee River reaches high levels, it starts to push up into the creeks and causes
 extensive flooding. In a 100-year event, approximately 800 acres flood when the Tittabawassee
 River backs up into these creeks,” said J.W. Fisher, co-chair of the advisory committee. “The Spicer
 engineers have recommended solutions that are reasonably feasible to implement and can have a
 big impact on flood protection.”
 “The engineering concepts and planning-level cost estimates were developed so we can build
 consensus, identify avenues for funding, and work through the permitting processes,” said
 Keller. “Finetuning and finalization of the engineering specifications ultimately would rely on the
 hydrologic/hydraulic models the Corps of Engineers is developing currently.”
 The Spicer Group recommendations, called the “Midland Flood Reduction Plan,” include a system
 of flood protection walls, berms, flood gates and pump stations:
    ● When Tittabawassee
      floodwaters start to
      peak, flood gates on the
      Sturgeon and Snake
      Creeks close to prevent
      these waters from backing
      up into the creeks
    ● Pump stations on both
      creeks then start to pump
      outgoing stream flows
      while flood gates are
      closed
    ● Floodwalls/berms are set
      to 0.3 feet below the 100-
      year flood elevation
    ● This level of design protects against the majority of recent flood events without reducing the
      current 100-year floodplain storage volume
    ● An estimated 600 homes and 50 businesses – including the hospital area – would be
      protected from floodwater levels similar to the 2017 flood event
 The MBA Advisory Committee on Infrastructure’s Midland Flood Reduction Plan is available at
 www.mbami.org/floodstudy. Here is a summary:

                                                                                continued on next page
January 2023                                                                                             9
Christmas Blessings - Midland County
Initial Midland Flood Reduction Plan - Continued
 Sturgeon Creek Area
 To prevent floodwaters from backing up Sturgeon Creek, this portion of the project would include
 the addition of flood gates at the mouth of Sturgeon Creek, upstream of Main Street. Open most of
 the time, the gates would be closed during high-water stages on the Tittabawassee River.
 Modifications to the culverts crossing under Main Street would be required to connect to the flood
 gate system. A pump station would be located near the Main Street crossing to provide an outlet for
 stream flow when the flood gates are
 closed.

 Rail Trail Area Floodwall
 To prevent Tittabawassee River
 floodwaters from extending
 overland, a floodwall would extend
 northwest of Sturgeon Creek along
 the Pere Marquette Rail Trail. Made
 from steel sheet piling, the floodwall
 would extend from higher ground at
 University Avenue to the southeast
 past the mouth of Sturgeon Creek (a
 total distance of approximately 2,500
 feet). The sheet piling would extend
 up to approximately 4 feet above the
 ground surface and be driven into
 the ground for sufficient stability.
 Ends of the floodwall would tie into
 adequately high features, such
 as the Main Street embankment.
 Because the elevation of Main
 Street south of the crossing is close
 to that required to protect from the floodwaters, its elevation would only need to be raised along
 approximately 800 feet of roadway.

 Flood Reduction Berm
 Flooding of Northwood University occurs due to direct overbank flooding from the Tittabawassee
 River. A series of surrounding berms would intercept this flow and prevent it from inundating this
 area. Approximately 3,500 feet of earthen berms, averaging 3 feet high, would be constructed on
 the east, south and west sides of campus and would terminate into adjacent high ground. The
 potential development of wetlands between these berms and the river would add to flood reduction
 efforts and create a natural area for students and the community.

 Snake Creek Area
 Flood gates would be located near Snake Creek’s crossing with Main Street. The pump station
 could be located in the northwest quadrant of the crossing.

                                                                                continued on next page
January 2023                                                                                             10
Initial Midland Flood Reduction Plan - Continued
 In this area, Main Street is largely situated above flood level, except for a sag near Snake Creek. As
 a result, floodwalls are not included here. Instead, Main Street would be raised for approximately
 400 feet. Reconstruction of the Orchard Drive/Emerson Park Road intersection would be necessary
 due to the change in grade of Main Street.

 One Part of a Larger Effort
 “These projects are an excellent starting
 point. However, they are not the only solution
 we will need for our region,” said Fisher.
 “They are part of a much bigger effort that
 could take decades to accomplish. Larger
 projects could include enhancing and
 expanding wetlands and building floodwater
 detention systems, for example. There are
 many ideas we are working with, and we
 welcome other solutions that people may
 have.”
 “Throughout this planning, we have
 continued to brief local stakeholders as well
 as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes,
 and Energy (EGLE),” said Keller. “We are continuing to update an expanding circle of residents,
 businesses, organizations, and local, state and federal legislators. The advisory committee is also
 working to develop funding for this infrastructure improvement. This all takes time to coordinate.”
 “We have presented the plan to the Midland County Board of Commissioners, the Midland
 City Council, EGLE, and federal, state and local legislators. We’re also communicating with
 organizations, residents and other stakeholders,” said Fisher. “We are excited about these projects
 and we continue to press on.”
 If your group would like to learn more, volunteer committee members would be happy to schedule
 a presentation and Q&A session with you. Contact mbami@MBAmi.org.

 About the Tittabawassee River Watershed
 According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources “Tittabawassee River Assessment,”
 the watershed covers 2,471 square miles, including all or part of the following counties: Arenac,
 Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Ogemaw, Osceola,
 Roscommon and Saginaw. The main stem of the Tittabawassee River is more than 90 miles long,
 with more than 600 miles of contributing tributaries, including the Tobacco River, Pine River and
 Chippewa River. Located in the center part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, this watershed is the
 fifth largest in the state.

 About the Midland Business Alliance
 The Midland Business Alliance (MBA) represents more than 3,000 businesses as Midland’s
 business hub. The goal of the MBA is to support the attraction, development and growth of
 businesses throughout Midland by providing an integrated portfolio of tools and resources.
 Additionally, the MBA manages the Midland Area Farmers Market and Midland Blooms. Visit www.
 MBAmi.org for more information.

January 2023                                                                                              11
Challenge the National Broadband Map
 In 2020 Congress tasked the FCC with creating a more precise broadband map showing every
 address where broadband can be installed. Internet service providers then reported what internet
 speeds they offer at each address.
 At stake is a share of the $42.5 billion
 Broadband Equity, Access and
 Deployment program, part of the
 infrastructure measure President
 Joe Biden signed into law last year.
 Extending service to remote areas
 with few customers can be expensive
 for internet providers but using the
 surge of new federal funds to fill the
 gaps depends heavily on knowing
 where they are.
 The Federal Communications
 Commission (FCC) has released a new
 National Broadband Map. To counter expected discrepancies, the public and states can challenge
 the new map. Since high-speed internet is not available to nearly half a million homes in Michigan,
 the Midland County Internet Connectivity Committee recommends that citizens check their home
 and business address on the preliminary broadband map to ensure it accurately reflects their level
 of internet access
 Here’s how to access the FCC broadband map:
    ● Visit broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home here, then type in an address and see if the reported
      coverage is accurate. You can access the site from a computer or a mobile device.
    ● Residents can submit a challenge by clicking “Location Challenge” if the location of their
      home or business is missing or incorrect, or “Availability Challenge” if the internet service
      information is incorrect.
    ● Residents should visit the website of any internet service provider that claims to serve their
      location and use the website’s “Check Availability” or similar tool to determine if the provider
      can serve their location.
    ● If they can’t, a screenshot of their website can be submitted to the FCC as evidence for an
      Availability Challenge.
    ● Consumers can follow the instructions on how to file an availability challenge using the new
      map here.
 To ensure an accurate map is used for funding decisions, all challenges must be submitted by
 January 13, 2023.
 Sources:
 ourmidland.com/news/article/States-contend-with-short-timeline-to-correct-17669522.php
 mbami.org/broadband/

January 2023                                                                                             12
BE PREPARED FOR A

                                                          WINTER
                                                          STORM
                                                          Winter storms create a
                                                       higher risk of car accidents,
                                                      hypothermia, frostbite, carbon
                                                      monoxide poisoning, and heart
                                                        attacks from overexertion.
               FEMA V-1014/June 2018

           Winter storms and
          blizzards can bring
         extreme cold, freezing
          rain, snow, ice, and
              high winds.
                                       Greater risk     Can last a few hours        Can knock out heat, power,
                                                          or several days          and communication services

        IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING,
                 FIND SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

                                                                           Use generators
                             Stay off roads.
                                                                           outside only.

                          Stay indoors and                                 Listen for emergency
                             dress warmly.                                 information and alerts.

                               Prepare for                                 Look for signs of hypothermia
                            power outages.                                 and frostbite.

                                                                  Check on neighbors.

January 2023                                                                                                     13
HOW TO STAY SAFE
   WHEN A WINTER STORM THREATENS

             Prepare                                   Survive                                 Recognize
              NOW                                      DURING                                  +RESPOND

   Know your area’s risk for winter         Stay off roads if at all possible. If    Frostbite causes loss of feeling and
   storms. Extreme winter weather can       trapped in your car, stay inside.        color around the face, fingers, and toes.
   leave communities without utilities
   or other services for long periods       Limit your time outside. If you need       • Signs: Numbness, white or
   of time.                                 to go outside, wear layers of warm           grayish-yellow skin, and firm or
                                            clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite       waxy skin.
   Prepare your home to keep out the        and hypothermia.
                                                                                       • Actions: Go to a warm room.
   cold with insulation, caulking, and
                                            Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.             Soak in warm water. Use body
   weather stripping. Learn how to keep
                                            Only use generators and grills               heat to warm. Do not massage
   pipes from freezing. Install and test
                                            outdoors and away from windows.              or use a heating pad.
   smoke alarms and carbon monoxide
   detectors with battery backups.          Never heat your home with a gas          Hypothermia is an unusually low body
                                            stovetop or oven.                        temperature. A temperature below
   Pay attention to weather reports                                                  95 degrees is an emergency.
   and warnings of freezing weather         Reduce the risk of a heart
   and winter storms. Sign up for your      attack. Avoid overexertion when            • Signs: Shivering, exhaustion,
   community’s warning system. The          shoveling snow.                              confusion, fumbling hands,
   Emergency Alert System (EAS) and                                                      memory loss, slurred speech, and
   National Oceanic and Atmospheric         Watch for signs of frostbite and             drowsiness.
   Administration (NOAA) Weather            hypothermia and begin treatment
                                            right away.                                • Actions: Go to a warm room.
   Radio also provide emergency alerts.                                                  Warm the center of the body
                                            Check on neighbors. Older adults             first—chest, neck, head, and
   Gather supplies in case you need to
                                            and young children are more at risk          groin. Keep dry and wrapped up
   stay home for several days without
                                            in extreme cold.                             in warm blankets, including the
   power. Keep in mind each person’s
                                                                                         head and neck.
   specific needs, including medication.
   Do not forget the needs of pets.
   Have extra batteries for radios
   and flashlights.

   Create an emergency supply kit for
   your car. Include jumper cables, sand,
                                                                                        Take an Active Role
   a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets,                                                  in Your Safety
   bottled water, and non-perishable
                                                                                           Go to Ready.gov and
   snacks. Keep the gas tank full.
                                                                                          search for winter storm.
   Learn the signs of and basic                                                          Download the FEMA app
   treatments for frostbite and                                                           to get more information
   hypothermia. For more information,                                                   about preparing for a winter
   visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/                                                            storm.
                                                             FEMA V-1014
   staysafe/index.html.                                   Catalog No. 17233-15

January 2023                                                                                                                     14
Midland County Phone Directory
  Administrator/Controller     989-832-6797   Human Resources                    989-832-6797

  Board of Commissioners       989-832-6775   Information Technology             989-832-6653

  Circuit Court - Clerk        989-832-6735   Jail                               989-832-6612

  Circuit Court - MI-Hope      989-832-6810   Juvenile Care Cntr - Judge Allen   989-837-6080

  Circuit Court - Probation    989-832-6760   Mosquito Control                   989-832-8677

  Citizens Probation Council 989-832-6863     Mental Health Court                989-832-6834

  Community Corrections        989-832-6646   MSU Extension                      989-832-6640

  County Clerk                 989-832-6739   Parks and Recreation               989-832-6876

  District Court               989-832-6700   Pinecrest Farms                    989-832-6634

  District Court - Probation   989-832-6710   Probate Court - Judge Allen        989-832-6880

  Drain Commissioner           989-832-6770   Prosecuting Attorney               989-832-6722

  Drug Court                   989-832-6864   Public Guardian                    989-837-7145

  Emergency Management         989-832-6750   Register of Deeds                  989-832-6820

  Equalization                 989-832-6844   Sheriff’s Department               989-839-4600

  Facilities Management        989-832-6790   Township Code Authority            989-837-6521

  Finance                      989-832-6874   Treasurer                          989-832-6850

  Friend of the Court          989-832-6801   Trial Court Administrator          989-832-6832

  Health                       989-832-6380   Veteran’s Services                 989-832-6843

  Photo Credit: Adam Ferman

January 2023                                                                                    15
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