STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza is encouraging residents in need to keep their eyes out for resources as the city continues to clean up from weekend storm damage.
“Please, be sure to check on your neighbors,” says Wiza, with power still out to thousands of customers. “If there are people with medical devices that need electricity, make sure they get to those resources, and there are resources available.”
Wiza says for starters any local fire station will likely provide an outlet for those that need to charge a device. For things like cell phones or other personal devices, he also recommends getting creative by using a car charger or portable battery pack. Ascension Saint Michael’s hospital is also offering free charging of medical devices.
Other available resources include free storage of any cold foods courtesy of Lineage Logistics. “You need to put [the items] in a tote, put your name on it, then Lineage Logistics out by the city transit facility on the east side. They will store your products for free until your energy is restored.”
Other resources have been compiled by the United Way of Portage County and are available on their Facebook page, according to Wiza.
Thanks to quick work by city crews over the weekend all city streets are now passable except for the Church Street underpass, which is closed off due to a pump malfunction. Drivers should avoid that intersection until it is cleared of water by taking alternate routes.
Anyone with significant damage to their homes, which is defined as damage amounting to 40% of your home’s assessed value, is encouraged to report that damage by calling 211.
Finally, Wiza says those who will be without power for a couple of days yet should look on the bright side. “The big priority is making sure everyone is safe, but then use the outage to reacquaint yourself. Maybe read a book, or have a family game night by candlelight. We’ll get through this, it’ll be a couple of days, but Public service expects all power to be restored no later than Thursday night or Friday morning.”
