Lincoln and Lancaster County officials are rolling out a new Cold Response Plan designed to better coordinate community resources and protect residents during dangerously cold weather this winter.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Director Kerry Kernen announced the plan Thursday. It establishes coordinated responses based on National Weather Service cold weather alerts and outlines steps for city agencies and community partners.
Gaylor Baird says the plan comes as local data shows a steady increase in emergency room visits for cold-related illnesses in recent years. “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 says.
“The City, County, and our community partners want to reverse that trend.” The plan identifies three levels of cold weather alerts: Cold Weather Advisories, Extreme Cold Watches and Extreme Cold Warnings.
A Cold Weather Advisory is issued when temperatures or wind chills reach 20 to 29 degrees below zero. An Extreme Cold Watch means dangerously cold conditions are possible, while an Extreme Cold Warning indicates temperatures or wind chills of 30 below zero or colder.
“This plan provides city and county officials and community partners with a consistent framework that includes clearly defined terms, thresholds, and both coordinated and individual action steps to further enhance preparedness and response,” Kernen says. “It is a community-wide plan that reflects local needs and priorities.”
When the National Weather Service issues a cold weather alert, the Health Department will distribute information to more than 150 community partners. Those organizations will be encouraged to open warming centers, check on vulnerable residents and share cold weather safety information.
All Lincoln city libraries, Parks and Recreation community centers and the Victory Park Senior Center will serve as warming centers during regular business hours throughout the winter. Seven additional community organizations will also provide warming locations, including The Bridge Connect, Catholic Social Services, Community Action Partnership, Grace Chapel, Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, People’s City Mission and the Salvation Army.
Matt Talbot Executive Director Alynn Sampson says the plan is especially important for people experiencing homelessness and others living in homes where heating systems may not keep up with extreme temperatures.
“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,” Sampson says. “Having shared terminology and clear communication helps community partners anticipate dangerous conditions, prepare their facilities and staff, and coordinate their response.”
Lincoln Parks and Recreation has six recreation centers that will provide temporary warming locations, similar to the role the F Street Community Center played as a cooling center during extreme heat this summer.
Kernen encourages residents to prepare for cold weather by accessing LLCHD resources available by clicking here.