As today’s snow storm winds to a close, local emergency response teams are busy prepping for what comes next.
In a press conference this morning, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said that today’s snow storm is just the prelude to a week-long cold snap, kicking off tonight with wind gusts predicted to be upwards of thirty miles per hour.
“What’s different about this storm is really the duration of the challenge. Not only will we have a fairly significant snow storm today, but the cold weather is going to go on for a long time,” Parisi told reporters.
He advises residents to check in regularly with elderly friends and neighbors during the protracted deep freeze.
“Give them a call, see how they’re doing and let’s just make sure that everyone’s okay out there,” Parisi says. “County government is already on the alert and we will be active throughout the duration of this weather event.”
The City of Madison’s Water Utility says residents should prepare for their water pipes to potentially freeze. Homeowners can prevent freezing by insulating pipes in unheated areas, leaving the heat on in unused areas of your home and making sure your basement is properly insulated.
Further recommendations can be found online on the City of Madison’s website.
Charles Tubbs, Director of the county’s Department of Emergency Management, adds that residents should also try to limit their time on the road to give plow crews an opportunity to clean up. If residents do need to go out, it’s advised they give a wide berth to plows.
“We cannot control the weather, but we can control how we behave and how we deal with this situation. If you don’t need to travel, I would recommend not travelling,” he says.
For the county’s homeless residents, the city of Madison will be offering expanded services. Casey Becker, Director of the county’s Division of Housing Access and Affordability says that outreach workers will be doing regular welfare checks to insure unsheltered residents are aware of the available resources.
The county is also partnering with the city to offer extra shelter space if needed.
“The Beacon Day Resource Center will open earlier than usual and the Porchlight overnight men’s shelter will open earlier as well,” Becker says. “There’s also a charter service funded by the City of Madison that helps guests get to the Beacon and the men’s shelter in the evening and then from the men’s shelter to the Beacon in the day.”
Today’s snow storm wasn’t bad news for everybody. The Madison Metropolitan School District cancelled virtual instruction for the day and closed all of its facilities, giving students their first snow day of the year.
(PHOTO C/O City of Madison)
