As Milwaukee braces for a blast of Arctic chill, the city and county have swiftly responded by opening an additional emergency warming shelter; meanwhile, local agencies are bolstering their readiness to support residents weathering the subzero temperatures, according to Milwaukee County.
The National Weather Service's alert about the impending icy grip, which includes wind chills in the dangerous realm of -30 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, has put community safety measures into high gear, and Milwaukee County's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), alongside the City's Health Department (MHD) and Office of Emergency Management (OEM), are coordinating with community partners to expand access to warming locations—anticipating the needs of those most vulnerable to the cold snap.
Those requiring shelter can find refuge at the Washington Park Senior Center located at 4420 W. Vliet St. in Milwaukee, which will stay open until Saturday, January 24, at noon. However, it is not only the senior center that will offer reprieve; a network of warming locations throughout the city is available to singles, families, and anyone in need, with an attached list of these spots, though it may be subject to change as conditions develop.
Residents in need of information on shelters, transport, or any cold-related assistance can reach out to the 211 service by calling, visiting the Impact211 website, or texting TXT-211 to receive guidance on available support and services, while city-operated buildings will continue their operations through Friday while suspending non-emergency services, such as trash and recycling collection, due to the severity of the weather, city officials are urging anyone with appointments to proceed with caution and plan their visits accordingly.
Milwaukee County facilities, including the courthouse and various health and human services centers, will keep their doors open as scheduled; however, outdoor activities at parks and some services like Meals on Wheels may face disruptions. Residents looking to use county services are advised to call ahead, given the likelihood of last-minute changes. Additionally, steps for staying safe in extreme weather can be found on MHD's Cold Weather Safety Information and Resources page, as per the Milwaukee County.
As the intense cold continues its hold on the region, updates from city and county officials will emerge, reaffirming their commitment to public safety in the face of these harsh winter conditions.
