Marquette County Not Pursuing State Disaster Assistance

Every citizen of Marquette County experienced a record setting blizzard this week. This storm was disruptive to community members, schools and businesses. Essential emergency services like police, fire and ems were able to respond to all calls for service throughout the storm. Our dedicated first responders answered every call for service.

Marquette County does not meet the criteria for a state disaster declaration. However, our community members continue to face challenges, which fall outside assistance provided by the state.

These challenges include things like clearing snow on private property and around vents for gas-powered appliances. Marquette County has partnered with 211, the Superior Watershed Partnership and the Community Foundation of Marquette County to provide assistance for the elderly and those with special needs. Please call 211 to request this support.

WARNING SIGNS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE

Blocked vents for gas burning appliance can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning affects the brain and heart the most. Exposure over time might lead to symptoms that can be mistaken for those of the flu without the fever. Clearer symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include:

Headache

Weakness

Dizziness

Nausea or vomiting

Shortness of breath

Confusion

Blurred vision

Sleepiness

Loss of muscle control

Loss of consciousness

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER:

Marquette County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activated the morning of Saturday, March 14, 2026 to support resource coordination, analyze and distribute incident information, and share critical warnings to the public ahead of and during this week’s historic blizzard. This was done with 24 hour staffing and three daily situation updates with community lifeline and critical infrastructure partners. As the EOC deactivates and staff shift focus to community recovery efforts, the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office would like share one example of blizzard response actions that took place within the EOC.

This includes supporting a long-term care facility whose five heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) units was reduced to two because of sudden mechanical and storm related issues. The facility secured a portable HVAC unit. The EOC collaborated with Road Commission on egress for technicians and equipment to the facility. Additionally, the EOC worked with a local propane vendor and the Negaunee Department of Public Works to gain access to the propane tanks for the portable HVAC unit.

The Road Commission and Marquette Department of Public Works worked to ensure access to the facility. While efforts were underway, EOC personnel also coordinated with UPHS Marquette, UPHS Bell, MDHHS, and the Region 8 Healthcare Coalition to prepare an evacuation of eighty residents should efforts be unsuccessful. The portable heating unit ensured residents of the facility were able to safely remain on site.

The Marquette County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the following partners for their support and collaboration throughout this blizzard:

All first responders in Marquette County

The cities and townships of Marquette County

National Weather Service Marquette

Marquette County Road Commission

Marquette County Central Dispatch

Marquette County Planning Division

Marquette County Health Department

Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport ARFF

Northern Michigan University

UPHS Marquette

UPHS Bell