Rock County will be under a Winter Weather Advisory beginning at 6:00 pm tonight until Tuesday at 3:00 am. The National Weather Service expects snow to begin in the area after 6:00 pm, with accumulations of approximately 5 inches by 3:00 am.
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office is reminding citizens to be aware of the dangers winter can pose to our health and safety. Due to frigid temperatures and heavy snow accumulation, travel overnight should be avoided if possible. This storm will affect the morning commute. Drivers should prepare accordingly and allow extra time for travel and more space between surrounding vehicles.
Be sure to have an emergency kit in your vehicles and a full tank of fuel before traveling. Items should include extra clothes, blankets, flashlights, a cell phone charger, food and water. Call 511 or check online at www.511wi.gov for updated road conditions and travel information.
Frostbite and Hypothermia:
Frostbite can occur in less than ten minutes on exposed skin. Symptoms include a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, ears, and noses. Minimize or limit time spent outdoors and if you see any symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Be mindful of the time spent outdoors shoveling or enjoying recreational activities.
Shelter Facilities:
The following shelters have been established for those seeking shelter during the bitter temperatures and poor weather conditions:
BELOIT – The Sparrows Nest
Overnight Facility
1816 Harrison Ave., Beloit WI
Shelter Hours:
After 5:00 pm only
608-362-8215
JANESVILLE – GIFTS Resource Center
Daytime Warming Center
419 E. Court Street, Janesville WI
Shelter Hours:
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
JANESVILLE – Hedberg Public Library
Daytime Warming Shelter
316 South Main Street, Janesville WI
Shelter Hours:
Monday – Thursday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday – Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
JANESVILLE – House of Mercy
Overnight Facility – Women, children and families only
320 Lincoln St., Janesville WI
Shelter Hours:
Overnight – Must register through House of Mercy: 608-754-0045
Must register by 6:00 pm
JANESVILLE – GIFTS Men’s Shelter
Overnight Facility – Men Only
Shelter Hours:
Overnight – Must register through GIFTS: 608-371-3735
GIFTS Hotline – 608-728-0140
WAITING LIST ACTIVE – CONSIDERATIONS AND ALTERNATIVES DISCUSSED AT REGISTRATION ON WAITING LIST
________________________________________
For organizations that would like to participate as future shelters and warming centers or to provide emergency assistance to citizens during extreme temperatures and local emergencies, you are encouraged to notify the Rock County Sheriff’s Office – Emergency Management Bureau by contacting 608-758-8440.
