OTSEGO COUNTY — Dozens of downed trees and powerlines in Gaylord are just a few of the ones that are down throughout Otsego County and police only have one thing to say, stay away.
Residents throughout the area are being urged to stay put unless they have an emergency, but if you are able to safely get out, do so, but be careful.
While are working diligently to repair the powerline that can be and clear up the roads, it could still be a while before everything is even close to normal.
“One of the problems that not only the citizens in public are seeing, but, emergency response and utilities is that a lot of these roadways and streets are blocked by trees,” Assistant Emergency Manager Gavin Babieracki said. “Moving those lines or telephone poles or trees to create an entrance or exit just creates more critical infrastructure damage. ”
With many residents without power or gas, lines went around the block for the few gas stations that were still open, and residents are told to use it sparingly.
“We’re trying to keep emergency vehicles on the roadways with the gasoline that is available,” MSP Public Information Officer Spl/Lt. Kim Vetter said. “So if you can, just hunker down at home, grab some blankets, start a fire if you have a fireplace, read a book. Keep people entertained, but stay home, stay safe. ”
And if you are without power and heat, there is help, Spl/Lt. Vetter said you can call or text 211 to find a warming shelter near you, and Babieracki shared two right in Gaylord.
“The one shelter that we’ve designated is the E-Free church located on M32 too,” Vetter said. “It has been confirmed that they do have food, power and shower capabilities. So if the public needs to charge devices, warm up or find food, that is one designated shelter. The other shelter that I’ve been informed of is the Charlton Township Hall in Johannesburg. We’re working with the American Red Cross to establish additional points or shelter support at E-Free. ”
A State of Emergency was also issued by the governor Monday afternoon, with multiple counties affected, including Otsego.
