Warming Center: Novi Will Open Civic Center Friday As Overnight Shelter For Residents

NOVI, MI — The Novi Civic Center will serve as an overnight warming center for Novi residents on Friday starting at 9 p.m. The facility, located at 45175 Ten Mile Road, will be open until 8 a.m. on Saturday. If power remains out, the Civic Center will open again Saturday at 9 p.m. and remain open until 8 a.m. Sunday.

More than 2,100 homes in Novi remain without power due to the high winds that wreaked havoc on southeast Michigan on Wednesday, said Mayor Bob Gatt. “The health and safety of our residents is of the utmost importance to me, especially as temperatures have dropped,” he said in a news release. “We hope a warm facility and being greeted by smiling faces will provide a safe respite during this challenging time.”

Those who choose to use the facility are asked to bring a lawn chair and whatever they need to rest comfortably, such as blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, and air mattresses. Residents should also bring any food or snacks they need as well. Residents will have access to clean restrooms, water, vending machines, cell phone charging stations and free wifi. Pets will not be permitted inside the Civic Center.

The facility will be staffed by members of Novi’s Community Emergency Response Team, and the Novi Police Department is next door should any emergency arise. Additionally, the Novi Civic Center is open 8-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and the Novi Public Library from 10-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday for those who want to warm up or charge their cell phones during the day.

A number of communities are following suit and opening warming centers. Full restoration of power is not expected until at least Sunday night, according to utility companies. Officials from DTE Energy said Friday morning that 400,000 customers remain without power and 100,000 Consumers Energy customers remained without electricity, the Detroit News reported.

Photo by Scott Daniel (Patch Staff)