Despite it being affected during last weekend’s storm, which took out the power of multiple homes and businesses around the Thumb, the St. Clair Detention and Intervention Center weathered the incident as best they could.
The building experienced a power disruption on Saturday, January 13, and though the backup generators worked as expected, the HVAC systems were temporarily disrupted. Due to this and the severe cold temperatures, areas of the center began to rapidly cool.
Once discovered, the maintenance department was notified and was able to restart and monitor the HVAC systems. Temperature readings were taken throughout the intervention center and although uncomfortable for some inmates, no one was in danger and extra blankets were distributed to inmates that needed them. Extra blankets were distributed to those that were in need.
The Sheriff’s Office makes clear that at no point was the Intervention Center without heat. Since the HVAC systems were brought back online, they’ve been working to raise temperatures in the building. Temperature monitoring has continued, and as of this past Wednesday, January 17, the temperatures are at an acceptable level.
St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King noted that the department is working hard to maintain the conditions, especially as winter goes on.
