Lansing Activates Code Blue as Dangerous Cold Moves In

Lansing is flipping on its Code Blue cold-weather emergency plan again, because the overnight temps are expected to get dangerously cold this week.

Mayor Andy Schor announced the activation starts Saturday night, January 10, and runs through the morning of Sunday January 18. The key point: Code Blue is designed to keep people from sleeping outside or in the unheated spaces when the cold turns risky fast.

During Code Blue, local shelters can stretch their hours and take in more people than usual, and the city's fire and police departments can help transport anyone who needs a safe place to go. If transportation is the barrier, CATA is also offering free rides to warming centers and shelters during the activation plans.

The city is using Letts Community Center as an overnight warming center each night from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. That is meant to be a straightforward, warm indoor option when temperatures bottom out.

Officials also noted a practical piece of help: Lansing Board of Water & Light will suspend electric shutoffs for non-payment whenever the city declares a Code Red or Code Blue plan.

In other words, if you're already struggling, you have some short-term breathing room while the cold snap is in play.

The Department of Human Relations and Community Services shared a list of emergency shelter options that are available on weekdays and weekends. Those include familiar local resources like Advent House, Holy Cross New Hope Community Center, and City Rescue Mission locations, with additional warming options at several community centers, libraries, and the CATA Transportation Center.

If you know someone who's vulnerable during the cold, this is a good time to check in on them, and help them connect with a warm safe place overnight.