Columbia Co. announces warming centers

Authorities in Columbia County are encouraging residents to prepare for the extreme cold weather that is expected to hit this week.

These extremely cold temperatures and extreme wind chills well below zero can be extremely dangerous to humans and animals.

Kathy Johnson from Columbia County Emergency Management is recommending seven things to do during these extreme cold temperatures.

Check on the elderly (they slip and fall going out to get mail)

Travel is discouraged, but if you have to travel, make sure to have an emergency kit, extra blankets and plenty of warm clothing

Check on pets (make sure they have proper shelter)

Do not let children play outside, frostbite can begin on exposed skin within 5-10 minutes in these extreme temperatures

Make sure intoxicated persons get home safe and don’t wander

Keep fuel tanks full

Do not run heaters off of extension cords (this is the cause of many fires as the cords are not heavy enough to handle the electric load)

Johnson said if you see someone out in the cold that is unusually under-dressed, appears confused, shivering, or is having difficulties speaking, check on them, call for help and do something.

Here’s a list of warming centers in Columbia County:

Cambria Community Room

115 West Edgewater Street, Cambria, WI 53911

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Jane Morgan Memorial Library

109 West Edgewater Street, Cambria, WI 53911

Hours of Operation: Tues and Thurs - 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday and Friday – 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Columbus Area Senior Center

125 N. Dickason Blvd., Columbus, WI 53923

Monday & Wednesday 6 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Friday 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Columbus Public Library

223 W. James St., Columbus, WI 53923

Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Friday 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For those at risk outside of those times, please contact Columbus Emergency Management at 815-222-6718. Please stay safe!

Fall River Village Hall

641 South Main Street, Fall River, WI 53932

Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, 8:00 a.m. to noon.

In the City of Portage, the following warming centers will be open Tuesday(1/29) – Friday(2/1/19):

Portage Municipal Building Basement Meeting Room

115 W. Pleasant Street

Portage, WI 53901

8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Portage Public Library

253 W Edgewater Street

Portage, WI 53901

9:00 am – 8:30 pm (Tuesday – Thursday)

9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Friday)

Village of Randolph

248 W. Stroud Street, Randolph, WI 53956

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Warming Centers See information below for municipal locations and hours of operation. If you are in need of shelter accommodations outside of these designated times, please notify your local municipality or the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office at 608-742-4166 Extension 1 and request Emergency Management.

If you are in need of accommodations outside of what has been listed, please call your local municipality or the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office at (608) 742-4166 Extension 1 and request Emergency Management.