GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids police and firefighters are asking holiday revelers to keep an eye out for people struggling with the extreme cold that continues to grip the area.
“It is a true weather emergency out there,” said Grand Rapids Fire Department Lt. William Smith.
It’s an emergency that could lead to serious injury or death for people who cannot find a roof and four walls to escape from the elements.
“We find a lot of the homeless kind of hole up in anything that affords shelter, and that shelter really doesn’t give anything expect a wind break,” explained Smith.
Shelters have added extra space and relaxed some of the rules allowing people in so one one’s left out.
Still, the GRFD says reports of people showing signs of frostbite and hypothermia are up.
Since temperatures plunged, Grand Rapids police have been visiting areas where homeless people normally congregate, checking on their condition and getting them into shelters.
“Police have been doing an outstanding job of looking for individuals in time of need,” said Smith.
Now they’re asking for your help.
Knowing many people celebrating the year’s end will be visiting areas where the homeless frequent this weekend, the GRFD and Grand Rapids Police Department are asking the public to be vigilant and report anyone who may be struggling with the cold.
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