City of Lincoln, Health Department highlight new Cold Response Plan
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) and Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird are highlighting a new Cold Response Plan in preparation for the winter months.
The plan is aimed at helping residents have access to timely and fair access to health and safety resources.
“The Cold Response Plan is designed to help the community prepare for and respond to extreme cold events and help residents stay safe, warm and informed as temperatures drop,” Gaylor Baird said. “Local data shows a steady increase in emergency room visits for cold-related illnesses over the past several years. The City, County, and our community partners want to reverse that trend.”
The Cold Response Plan outlines the response based on three weather alerts:
- Cold Weather Advisory – wind chill or temperature reaching negative 20 to negative 29 degrees.
- Extreme Cold Watch – extremely cold weather predicted.
- Extreme Cold Warning – temperatures are currently dangerously cold or expected to be around negative 30 degrees or colder.
When these alerts happen, multiple warming centers will be available during regular business hours:
- City libraries
- Parks and Recreation Community Centers
- Victory Park Senior Center
- The Bridge Connect – 721 “K” St., 402-477-3951
- Catholic Social Services – 2241 “O” St., 402-474-1600 (ext. 0)
- Community Action Partnership – 210 “O” St., 402-471-4515
- Grace Chapel – 1345 S. 16th St., 402-484-8555
- Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach – 2121 N. 27th St., 402-477-4116
- People’s City Mission – 110 “Q” St., 402-475-1303
- Salvation Army – 2625 Potter St., 402-474-6263
LLCHD Director Kerry Kernen highlighted how residents can take precautions to protect their health and other community members’ health.
“During cold weather alerts, residents can also take personal actions to protect their health and the health of our community members, including staying warm, checking on relatives, neighbors, friends and pets, dressing properly, moving carefully, and avoiding overexertion,” Kernen said.
Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach Executive Director Alynn Sampson some of their guests are unsheltered.
“One of the most helpful aspects of the cold weather plan is establishing a common language of weather alerts including Cold Weather Advisories, Extreme Cold Watches and Extreme Cold Warnings. Having shared terminology and clear communication helps community partners anticipate dangerous conditions, prepare their facilities and staff, and coordinate their response,” Sampson said.
