The Summit County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Division has announced a plan in preparation of frigid temperatures predicted to arrive in Summit County as soon as Wednesday night. Plans include the opening of warming centers in Summit County.
SUMMIT COUNTY - The Summit County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Division has announced a multi-agency, multi-stakeholder plan in preparation of frigid temperatures predicted to arrive in Summit County as soon as Wednesday night. Plans include warming centers being made available in Summit County.
On Tuesday, December 20th, Brian Bovaird, Director of Emergency Management, convened stakeholders including representing the Sheriff’s Office, the Red Cross, Xcel Energy, the State of Colorado Disaster Preparedness Services, and social service partners such as the Family Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC).
Warming centers will be open to the public at the following locations:
- Town of Breckenridge Rec Center, 880 Airport Road, Breckenridge: 7am-5pm Wednesday and Thursday
- Town of Silverthorne Rec Center, 430 Rainbow Drive, Silverthorne: 7am-5pm Wednesday and Thursday
- Summit County Senior & Community Center, 083 Nancy’s Place, Frisco, 5pm-7am (doors lock at 11pm; those seeking shelter must arrive prior to that time).
As opposed to emergency shelters, warming centers provide limited accommodations (no cots or blankets) and are intended for warmth only for those who have no other place to go. The Red Cross will be on standby to open shelter operations at the Middle School should conditions warrant.
“We have a genuine concern for residents and visitors who may experience power outages, frozen pipes, or other impacts from this storm,” said Interim County Manager Phil Gonshak. “Any unexpected events like a power outage would put plans into motion for the community,” he continued.
Governor Polis has activated the Colorado National Guard to assist with statewide emergencies related to the storm, which is forecasted to bring 4-8” of snow along with frigid temperatures to the Summit area.
To prepare for cold temperatures, residents and visitors are advised to take steps in advance of the cold, including:
- Ensuring adequate airflow to pipes underneath sinks by opening cabinets so warmer air may circulate
- Dressing appropriately in layers and reducing bare skin exposure while outdoors
- Limiting pet exposure to the frigid temperatures
In case of necessary travel, it is advised that motorists fill up their tanks and top off vehicle liquids or charge cars prior to the storm and to be prepared for hazardous conditions on the roads including whiteout conditions and black ice.
“We are urging drivers to plan ahead for travel in or out of the county and to have with them blankets and first aid kits should closures occur,” said Summit County Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons.
It is advised that people recognize the signs of hypothermia, including confusion, difficulty speaking, muscle weakness, and shivering.
Residents and visitors are advised to sign up for Summit County’s SCAlert text notification system and road condition alerts from cotrip.org to stay advised of closures, warming center or shelter operations, and other information during the next 48 hours.
To sign up for SCAlert, visit summitcountyco.gov/scalert