July 31, 2006
Directs state offices to further reduce consumption
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today asked Michigan residents to take steps to conserve electricity to reduce the potential for unexpected power outages during the extreme heat that will dominate the weather pattern through Wednesday.
Granholm also directed that state government further cut back its use of electricity.
“While energy supplies are expected to be sufficient over the course of the next few days, we need to do what we can to conserve electricity to protect citizens and the energy system they rely on,” Granholm said. “We must be mindful of the impact the heat can have on senior citizens and children and take steps to protect them.”
Granholm announced that state government is responding with the following actions to cut back electricity consumption until further notice:
• raising the temperature in all Department of Management and Budget-managed state facilities to 78 degrees before close of business today;
• reducing lighting by 50 percent in locations that will not adversely affect safety;
• shutting down approximately half the elevators in each elevator bank.
The governor also encouraged citizens to conserve energy by following tips from the state’s utility companies, including:
• Turn off air conditioning equipment and electric water heaters, if possible. If air conditioning must be kept on, raise the temperature setting on the thermostat to 78 degrees.
• Close off air ducts to rooms that are not used. Close window curtains and drapes to reduce solar heating.
• Avoid using an electric stove, clothes dryer and any other high-consumption electric appliances during the day.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights and non-essential appliances during the day.
Earlier today state officials issued a reminder to citizens that while local communities offer the most immediate option for a cooling center, Michigan State Police (MSP) Emergency Management is monitoring weather conditions and will be prepared to coordinate state agencies in opening state cooling centers should the need arise.
The MSP Emergency Management Division is urging citizens to take advantage of local cooling centers that are available throughout the state, and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging is urging citizens to continue looking out for their elderly family, friends, and neighbors.
Older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing heat-related illness. Existing health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can heighten their vulnerability. Certain prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can also place a person at increased risk.
High temperatures can place abnormal stress on a person's body. When body temperatures rise even just a few degrees, individuals may experience muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and lethargy. This can result in dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and the most severe – heat stroke. Heat stroke can be life-threatening, and immediate emergency medical attention is vital.
Seniors who live alone and in older homes without air-conditioning are among those most at risk. Check on your elderly neighbors and family members to ensure they are staying hydrated and cool. Offer to take them to an air-conditioned building such as a local designated cooling center, shopping center, library or senior center.
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