Storm Videos, Pictures and Update
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(C. Proxmire, July 5, 2012)
The storms that rocked SE Michigan on July 4, 2012 hit Ferndale particularly hard, first with a massive downpour of hail, then with winds, lightening and rain. As traditionally happens in storms, the power went out and downed power lines were a safety issue.
As of 8:50 pm on July 5, there were still 2,950 customers without electricity, and DTE says it may last through Saturday night as they clamor to restore service in many parts of the metro Detroit area.
On July 5 Ferndale Firefighters responded to many downed wires, including a flaming wire at Woodward Heights and Huron. Neighbors were evacuated and the area taped off, but it took hours for DTE to cut the power while the flames continued, surging in brilliance as power flowed cyclically through the line. With each intensifying of fire came a resounding electrical buzz.
On Albany, between Allen and Farmdale, residents were evacuated due to a power line down across several backyards. Ferndale Fire Dispatch said there were no structural fires that he was aware of, only issues with wires.
The high temperatures and unbearable humidity also pose a threat to health and safety, especially to those who do not have power to run their air conditioners or fans. While the Library is generally a good place too cool off, it too is part of the power outage, along with City Hall and many downtown businesses. 
The Kulick Community Center (1201 Livernois) is the City’s official cooling center, and it will remain open 24/7 while the heat and power emergency are happening. There are cots available for those who wish to stay the night, with priority going to seniors and families with younger children. There is also water and first aid.
Ferndale’s CERT – Community Emergency Response Team – has stepped in to help. This is the first emergency where the group has been engaged since they began training back in February. Point person Sherry Kruzman-Martin arrived at Kulick at 11pm on 
July 4th to help with opening the center. She and volunteer Patricia Carlton Cissell covered the overnight shift, and in the morning Kruzman took control of organizing the contact list and calling in other volunteers. “We’ll be able to have people on the lines, and people helping here at the center,” Kruzman said. CERT volunteers have been specially trained to help in emergency situations, including watching downed power lines and other search and rescue tasks. They communicate with walkie-talkies and can be easily spotted with their neon-green safety vests.
To monitor the progress with power restoration, check out DTE’s website at http://www.dteenergy.com/map/outage.html.
For tips on keeping cool check out our previous article – http://oaklandcounty115.com/2012/07/01/keeping-cool/.
