During the night of May 15 into early May 16, a strong storm system produced tornadoes and high wind gusts that led to significant power outages from Southwest Michigan across to the Mid-Michigan area. More than 250,000 customers lost power. The forecast for Friday May 16 shows temperatures into the mid-80’s with potential for more storms in the evening. Power outages increase the risk of heat-related illness (HRI) when there are higher temperatures and people do not have access to air conditioning or other means of cooling, particularly for more vulnerable populations such as those without shelter. Additionally, during power outages people may use generators or other gas-powered equipment to power homes, cook or to provide a heat source. Improper use of such equipment can lead to Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisonings. 

Here are links to resources and information that will be helpful in preventing HRI and CO poisonings:  

MDHHS Heat Health and Safety and CO Resources: 

MDHHS Heat Health and Safety Fact Sheet – also in Spanish, Arabic, Bengali  
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Factsheet 
Portable Generators Factsheet 
MDHHS Learn More About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

CDC Heat and CO poisoning resources: 
CDC Heat and Health Resources 
CDC Heat resources for higher risk populations (ex. older adults, infants and children, those with chronic conditions, pregnant people, people without air conditioning, athletes, outdoor workers)
CDC - Generator Safety (fact sheet in multiple languages)
CDC - Carbon monoxide (fact sheet in multiple languages) 

National Mental Health Resources: 
24/7 Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990
24/7 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.  

MDHHS Environmental Health (EH) Bureau: 
EH Hotline - 1-800-648-6942 (Monitored M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with afterhours service for emergency