Michigan Governor Activates National guard After Ice Storms

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has initiated several measures to expedite recovery efforts following severe‍ ice storms that have significantly impacted northern Michigan. These actions include deploying the‍ Michigan National Guard and expanding the⁤ state of emergency declaration to include additional counties. Restrictions on truck transport have⁣ also been eased to facilitate the delivery ⁣of fuel and essential supplies, officials said Wednesday.

“We are working closely with the affected communities to ensure their safety and restore power as ⁤quickly as possible,” Whitmer stated. “The National Guard is⁣ joining state and local emergency responders,⁢ focusing on clearing roadways and supporting first responders.”

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II emphasized the immediate priorities: restoring electricity, supporting first responders with fuel and medical resources, and providing food to those affected. “We will ⁣overcome this challenge together, as a community,” Gilchrist said.

Coordinated Response and ⁤Resource Deployment

The National Guard has ⁢deployed specialized ‍equipment to clear debris-blocked areas and is establishing a temporary shelter at MyMichigan Medical ‍Center in Alpena. The governor also activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to coordinate a comprehensive response with local⁢ authorities.

Commercial transport weight and schedule restrictions have been temporarily lifted, enabling a continuous flow of fuel⁤ and ⁢other critical resources into the affected regions. Authorities have ‍also established approximately 20 shelters ⁣managed⁤ by the Red Cross and are ‍distributing food through the⁢ Salvation Army and⁤ local food banks.

Emergency Declaration Expanded

The emergency declaration ‍now encompasses 12 counties: ⁣Otsego, Oscoda, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Mackinac, ‍Alpena, Alcona, and Antrim. This expansion allows for more efficient mobilization of state and local resources to address the crisis.

Additional‍ Resource Updates

The activation of⁣ the⁤ SEOC on Sunday, March 30, authorizes the⁢ Michigan⁣ State⁣ Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security⁢ Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts beyond⁢ existing collaborations with local agencies.Key updates include:

• Utility crews continue working to restore power in affected areas.
• The Mackinac Bridge remains closed due to concerns ⁤about falling ice. Reopening will occur when authorities deem it safe.
• The Michigan Department of ⁢Transportation is⁣ collaborating with county road commissions to clear‍ state trunk‍ and secondary roads.
• Approximately 20 Red Cross shelters ‍are⁣ open. Residents are encouraged ⁢to⁤ call 211 for⁤ local facts.
• Food is being provided at shelters by the Salvation Army and local food banks. residents are encouraged to call 211⁤ for local information.
• Delivery ‍of 300 oxygen tanks to ‍Montmorency County and ⁣deployment ⁣of two oxygen recharge stations were scheduled for wednesday afternoon.
• Oxygen⁤ recharge stations‍ are located at ⁣the Emergency Management Services building in Indian river and mymichigan Medical Center in Alpena. Residents needing oxygen refills should go to these locations.
• Volunteer organizations, including ‍Southern Baptist, Team Rubicon, and World Renew, have mobilized to assist with cleanup efforts.
• A fuel module ⁢is being established in Cheboygan County for medical care providers and first responders.

Authorities affirmed their commitment to restoring normalcy in the affected communities, prioritizing safety, health, and resident support.