This post explains the City of Lansing’s recent declaration of a Code Blue cold weather alert. It summarizes where people experiencing homelessness or anyone in need of warmth can find assistance.
It covers the alert timeline, shelter and warming center locations and hours. It also outlines transportation and utility protections, and practical guidance for residents and outreach workers during the cold snap.
What the Code Blue alert means and when it applies
The City of Lansing activated its extreme Cold Weather Plan from Wednesday, Nov. 26 through 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1. Each evening, the alert is in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
This designation allows local shelters to extend hours and increase capacity. The goal is to help people get out of dangerously cold conditions.
During this period, multiple city services are mobilized to reduce risks from hypothermia and exposure. Fire and Police Departments will assist with transporting people in need to shelters.
The Lansing Board of Water and Light will suspend electric shutoffs for nonpayment. The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) will provide free rides to warming centers with limited exceptions.
Where to go: daytime and nighttime warming centers and shelters
Daytime shelter options are available to provide warmth and basic services during daytime hours. These include:
Nighttime options are arranged to cover the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. window and include:
The City has also made additional public spaces available as limited-capacity warming centers.
Transportation, utilities, and schedule notes
CATA will offer free rides to warming centers for the duration of the Code Blue alert, except on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27. The Fire and Police Departments are available to transport people in immediate need.
The Lansing Board of Water and Light has agreed to suspend electric shutoffs for nonpayment during the alert to prevent loss of heat in homes.
Some public facilities are open with modified hours to provide daytime refuge. The Downtown and South Lansing Libraries and the CATA Transportation Center will be open with limited weekend hours but will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday.
How residents and outreach workers can respond
If you encounter someone at risk or in need, there are immediate steps to take and resources to share.
Key actions and resources:
Practical safety tips
Encourage anyone going to a warming center to bring identification and essential medications. Layered clothing is also recommended if possible.
Hypothermia can set in quickly in prolonged cold and wind. Getting indoors is the immediate priority.
Outreach workers should coordinate with shelters to confirm capacity. Check for any intake procedures, especially on holiday closures.
Here is the source article for this story: Lansing activates Code Blue cold weather plan