Avoid Exposure During Dangerously Cold Temperatures
– Where to Go if Needed
#LSN_News #LSN_CookCounty
Update COOK COUNTY, MINNESOTA - January 29, 2019 (LSN) Due to the extreme cold, if anyone needs emergency shelter overnight, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 218-387-3030 and assistance will be arranged. Cook County has Emergency Shelter Plans that can be exercised if needed. The Cook County YMCA is the County’s primary shelter site and the Emergency Sheltering Trailer and staff are on stand-by, if needed.
“So far, we have not been advised of any utility outages or needs for emergency shelter, but that can change as it gets dark and colder, and we want to make sure that nobody is left out in this extreme cold,” said Valerie Marasco, Director of Emergency Management. “Our agencies are ready to assist with providing emergency overnight shelter if needed. During previous outages, emergency shelters have been opened and nobody has checked-in, so it is important to communicate the need. We are fortunate to have a very generous community that looks after each other, but in the event anyone needs it and does not have the means to secure a warm place to stay, please let us know.”
The following local hotels have offered discounted rates for individuals needing a warm place to stay. Individuals need to make arrangements directly with the hotel.
Aspen Inn- $60 +tax – (800) 247-6020
Aspen Lodge - $69 +tax – (800) 247-6020
Shoreline - $50 +tax - (218) 387-2633
Temporary warming locations for remainder of Tuesday and for Wednesday:
- The Cook County YMCA, located at 105 W 5th St, Grand Marais, is opening its doors free to the public today and Wednesday, as a place people can come and warm up. They YMCA’s regular hours are 6 am – 8 pm.
- The Cook County Senior Center located at 10 Broadway, Grand Marais, MN – Open 8 am – 4 pm
- The Grand Marais Public Library will now be CLOSED on Wednesday, Jan. 30, due to the extreme cold.
Report any utility outages to the utility, or if after business hours, contact Cook County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 218-387-3030. In an emergency call 911.
Updates will be issued if the Emergency Shelter at the YMCA is opened – watch for more information.
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COOK COUNTY, MINNESOTA - January 29, 2019 (LSN) Cook County, along with much of the State of Minnesota, is experiencing extreme cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills this week. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management Department encourage residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel or outdoor exposure, if possible. Residents are also encouraged to check on friends and neighbors, elderly or vulnerable relatives and report any utility outages.
“Please be mindful, that in these temperatures and wind chills, frost bite is possible in just five minutes of exposure,” said Valerie Marasco, Director - Cook County Emergency Management & Public Information. “Pets are also at increased risk. When taking your pets out for a bathroom break, stay with them. If it’s too cold for you to stand outside, it is also too cold for prolonged pet exposure.”
If anyone needs a warm indoor place to go today or tomorrow, the following facilities are open and welcome members of the public to warm up:
- The Cook County Senior Center located at 10 Broadway, Grand Marais, MN – Open 8 am – 4 pm
- Grand Marais Public Library located at 104 2nd Ave W, Grand Marais, MN 55604 – Open Tuesday 10 am -5 pm, Wednesday 10 am - 8 pm
- The Cook County YMCA, located at 105 W 5th St, Grand Marais, is also opening its doors free to the public today and tomorrow as a place people can come and warm up.
“Emergency operations partners are working together and are prepared should the need for additional sheltering arise,” said Marasco. “As of now, there are no utility outages reported and all County offices are open as usual. People are just asked to take precautions, check on friends and neighbors and ensure that personal and vehicle emergency kits are in place.”
During extended power or communication outages, Cook County may staff volunteer Fire Halls as a connection to Emergency Services and 911 – watch/listen for more information through local media, all-weather NOAA weather radios and emergency alerts such as CodeRED.
Additional updates and information will be provided as needed.
Report any utility outages to the utility or if after business hours, contact Cook County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 218-387-3030 or in an emergency call 911.
Helpful links:
Winter Weather Safety: https://www.weather.gov/wrn/winter_safety
NWS Duluth Website: http://www.weather.gov/dlh/
NWS Duluth Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/NWSDuluth
MNDOT Road Conditions: http://www.511mn.org
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