Falk Press Statement: Cold Weather Preparations

January 14, 2009
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive

The Dane County Executive’s Office coordinated a conference call this (Wednesday) morning to consult with Dane County’s Departments of Administration, Human Services, Emergency Management, and Public Safety Communications regarding preparations for severe cold that’s forecast for the next 48 hours.

The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerous wind chills tonight, Thursday, and Thursday night that may be as cold as 50 degrees below zero.  Air temperatures without the wind could approach 30 below on Thursday night.  If these forecasts bear true, these would be among the coldest temperatures Dane County has experienced in more than a decade.

In anticipation of this extreme cold, County Executive Falk has asked the Dane County Human Services Department to provide vouchers for hotel rooms to any people and/or families deemed to be in a vulnerable situation and in need of shelter.  Dane County Human Services will ensure accommodations for them on a night to night basis.  Those with emergency sheltering needs and no resources to meet those needs should contact the Salvation Army for assistance with accommodations. 

Dane County Human Services has consulted with agencies like the Salvation Army and United Way to assess current demands and needs for help.  These agencies have advised the county that through vouchers and additional space being offered at existing warming shelters, needs are currently being met.

Dane County Emergency Management is continuously monitoring weather forecasts and is prepared to address the need for any additional services that may be warranted in the next 48 hours including, for example, the possible need to create public warming places. 

People facing needs during this cold weather are encouraged to call the United Way of Dane County’s 2-1-1 hotline (available 24 hours a day) to be connected with necessary assistance.

The Salvation Army can be reached during daytime hours at (608) 256-2321.  The Phone numbers for the Salvation Army after hours are:  (608) 250-2226 or (608) 250-2298.

Those with emergency energy needs should contact Energy Services Inc at:  (608) 267-8601.

 

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