So Far, So Good: Ferndale Healthy, Safe During Heat Wave, Power Outage

Ferndale fire and police departments have reported no heat- or power outage-related incidences Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

"There was nothing outside of the normal day-to-day medical stuff," Ferndale Fire Chief Kevin Sullivan said.

About 5,000 customers were without power Wednesday night due to . As of Thursday afternoon, nearly 4,200 were still without power.

DTE said the power is expected to return to most areas by Thursday evening.

Temperatures have been in the 90s this week and are expected to reach 100 degrees Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. This week has been the hottest in southeast Michigan for the longest period in 15 years, according to the weather service.

The fire department has extra crews on today to cover any incidents that may arise due to the heat.

"We've had nothing major except major resident inconveniences," Ferndale Police Lt. Detective William Wilson said.

Wilson said the department would continue to patrol businesses without power and assist any in deed. "Yes ,people are leaving to find cooler places, but you also have a built-in security system because people are out on their porches or in their backyards watching," Wilson said.

He added that if anyone sees anything suspicious to call the police department at 248-541-3650.

Sullivan said residents need to stay hydrated and look out for the elderly in the neighborhood.

"The elderly tend to lock up the house, not drink enough, not get enough fluids," Sullivan said. "Have someone in the neighborhood check on them. If they are hot, take them to the . If there is a medical condition call (911)."

The city of Ferndale has transformed the into a cooling center. When the power started going out about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and as the issue grew to encompass half of Ferndale, . Last night,

"We are starting to get more and more throughout the day," Ferndale Recreation Director Julie Hall said Thursday. "We are definitely in the 30 (people) range."

Wednesday night, most of the patrons of the cooling center came from the assisted living building on Withington that had lost power. As of this afternoon, Hall said more people, including families, were coming from inside the neighborhoods.

The cooling center was originally set to operate from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Sullivan said the city is going to wait and see if the power comes back on before it decides to open the Kulick Center all night again.

"The staff is prepared to work all night if necessary," Hall said.

If the power comes on, most likely the cooling center wouldn't be open Thursday night, Sullivan said.

Hall added that if it is open this evening, the recreation department is working to acquire cots for those who stay over. The recreation department doesn't have cots and last night only mats were available.  She also said that some type of meal would be served if the Kulick stays open.

"We definitely look to service them as much as we can," she said.