In response to the chilling temperatures anticipated to grip Medford, City Manager Rob Field has enacted a severe weather event declaration effective Tuesday, January 21. This comes as the forecast suggests the mercury is set to plunge below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, triggering the opening of emergency shelters geared at providing sanctuary from the cold. Recognizing the inherent danger of such frigid conditions, the city is taking a proactive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
At the heart of this response is the Medford Severe Weather Shelter, located at 332 W. 6th Street. The shelter's doors will open at 5:30 pm on January 21, remaining accessible until 8:30 am the following day. It stands as a haven for those in need, offering crucial amenities including sustenance, a place to sleep, and dry storage capabilities. In a gesture of inclusivity and support, the shelter will not require visitors to adhere to a religious creed or undergo drug testing. The capacity is limited, however, able to shelter 64 individuals seeking refuge from the elements.
Volunteers, coordinated by ACCESS, are the unsung heroes behind the operation of such a critical service. For individuals interested in lending their support, queries can be directed to the email address [email protected]. ACCESS, a key partner in mobilizing the shelter, places heavy emphasis on volunteerism as an integral component of their operational framework.
To stay abreast of the latest developments in the city's severe weather strategy, residents can opt for updates by texting 'MED4SHELTERS' to 888777. In further accommodation to those displaced by the frigid weather, the City has delayed the enforcement of the prohibited camping ordinance, keeping in line with the spirit of the declaration. Despite these relaxations, the City maintains a ban on fires throughout the area, underscoring the balance between empathy and public safety.
The partnership with ACCESS manifests in joint oversight, where the City not only closely watches weather prognostications but also aligns with ACCESS on the viability of staffing resources. Declarations such as the current severe weather event are contingent upon ACCESS's capability to assemble a volunteer workforce within the requisite 48-hour preparation window. Local organizations interested in joining the effort to shelter the city's most vulnerable can reach out to Deputy Fire Marshal Tanner Farrington at 541-774-2300 for guidance and partnership opportunities.
For more detailed information on the severe weather shelter and ongoing updates, concerned individuals can visit the City's official page at Medford's Official Severe Weather Shelter Announcement.
