County to open warming sites

Metro Wire Staff

Portage Co. Health and Human Services on Wednesday announced it would open warming shelters for residents who lose power in the coming winter storm.

Dangerously low temperatures are forecasted for much of the state over the coming days. County residents are encouraged to stay out of the sub-zero weather, but if a residence is without heat, the county is providing options.

The notification was sent at 4:51 p.m. on Dec. 21—after most of the warming centers had closed for the day, so the Metro Wire could not contact each location to verify hours. Anyone needing to stay at a warming center should contact the location closest to them and call ahead for hours of operation.

Anyone in need of overnight accommodations due to a power outage should call Portage County Public Health Division’s Emergency Services at (715) 344-7438, the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office at 715-346-1400, or United Way’s 211.