The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has opened its Emergency Operations Center in response to floods and power outages caused by this week’s storms. The sheriff’s department has released the following:
Due to the power outages and flooding in the southwest portion of Berrien County, the Berrien County Emergency Operations Center has been activated. It is estimated that the current power outage could extend for several hours and potentially into the evening 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:
New Buffalo Township Public Safety Building – 18959 US-12, New Buffalo MI 49117
Michiana Village Hall – 4000 Cherokee Drive, New Buffalo MI 49117
Mars Community Center – 430 W. Mars Street, Berrien Springs MI 49103 (Scheduled to open at 2:00 PM)
Lakeshore Public Schools Auditorium – 5771 Cleveland Ave, Stevensville MI 49127
Each of these locations are open and operational if individuals need to utilize them and get out of the warm conditions.
The health and safety of those visiting the cooling centers is a priority. Face masks are strongly 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, and covering coughs or sneezes.
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
We will continue to update information as it becomes available and if other cooling stations become available
