As the metro Detroit area gets colder, families start thinking about staying warm, keeping kids safe and being prepared for any emergency. Winter freezes can lead to burst pipes, icy roads and sidewalks and power outages. Heavy snow can melt into street flooding, and heaters or fireplaces can start fires if they’re not used carefully.
Once winter ends, spring brings its own challenges: heavy rainstorms, strong winds and even the occasional tornado warning. Kids may start to wonder, “Who helps when things go wrong? Where do people go? And what can families do to stay safe?”
Here is a simple guide to help curious Detroit kids understand emergencies, the systems in place to protect them and the places families can go to stay safe during difficult times.
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Shelters
If heat fails or winter weather reaches dangerous levels, Detroit has safe places for citizens and families. All Detroit Recreation Centers and Detroit Public Library branches serve as warming centers during normal hours. For overnight shelter, Detroit provides more than 1,700 beds throughout the city. The Detroit Public Library provides an updated map of warming centers and overnight shelters.
Other way to access help:
- 24/7 Shelter Hotline: (866) 313-2520
- Weekdays before 6 p.m.: CAM Detroit at (313) 305-0311
- In a Code Blue (below 20°F), families can walk into any warming center or shelter without a referral.
Snow and ice safety
Snow and ice can make daily responsibilities such as getting kids to school, the bus stop or wherever they need to go more dangerous. The city of Detroit requires sidewalks be kept clear, and doing so helps to prevent falls, injuries and accessibility barriers for strollers, wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
Key safety tips:
- Shovel and salt sidewalks quickly and frequently.
- Move cars off snow emergency routes. During major storms, vehicles left on these streets may be ticketed or towed so plows can get through.
- Expect plow priority. The city clears major roads first, then residential streets as conditions improve.
For seniors and residents with disabilities:
- The City’s Department of Neighborhoods coordinates employees and volunteers for snow removal and safety checks as a part of the Serve Detroit Program.
- Contact the Detroit Department of Neighborhoods at (313) 224-3400 for help getting started.
Independent providers:
- The Lawn Kingz: (313) 631-1242
- Metro Snow and Lawn Care: (586) 393-7023
Utility safety
Power and gas outages are more common in winter months due to storms and cold fronts.
Key safety tips:
- Never use ovens or grills to heat your home.
- Dress kids in layers and keep hats, gloves and blankets handy.
- Let faucets drip during extreme cold to prevent frozen pipes.
- Locate your water shutoff valve for emergent situations.
For help paying utility bills or restoring service:
- Call 211 (links to THAW, SER, MEAP, WPP, DTE programs)
Post-disaster assistance
If your home is damaged by flooding or severe weather:
- Take photos of everything and contact your insurance provider immediately.
- In a federal disaster, families may qualify for FEMA, HUD, or SBA assistance.
- If your home becomes unsafe due to inclement weather conditions, receive temporary placement by calling the Housing & Revitalization Department at (313) 224-6380.
Flooding
In the winter months, heavy rain and melting snow can quickly cause flooding in streets, yards and basements throughout Detroit.
Key safety tips:
- Never walk or drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don’t drown!
- Keep kids away from floodwater, as it can contain sewage, debris and other electrical hazards.
- Clear gutters regularly to prevent leaking from roof ice.
When you need help:
- Detroit Water & Sewerage Department: (313) 267-8000
- Detroit Homeland Security & Emergency Management: (313) 596-2590
Fires
When locals are trying to stay warm, Detroit sees more house fires during winter due to space heaters, outages and holiday decorations.
Key safety tips:
- In the event of a fire, call 911 immediately.
- Never use generators, grills or camp stoves indoors. Even a short time can create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Keep space heaters far from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.
- Turn off holiday decorative lights before sleeping.
- Use flashlights during power outages.
Quick reference hotlines and services
- Emergencies: 911
- Detroit Police Non-Emergency Line: (313) 224-2222
- 24-Hour Shelter Hotline: (866) 313-2520
- CAM Detroit: (313) 305-0311
- Water/Sewer Issues: (313) 267-8000
- Detroit Homeland Security & Emergency Management: (313) 596-2590
- Utility Assistance (THAW, MEAP, SER, more): 211
- Detroit Alerts 365 Emergency Notifications: Free signup
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