Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management
Elaine Lindholm, Director
1305 Goff Street
Eads, CO 80136
719-438-2288

MEDIA RELEASE – For Immediate Release

December 20, 2006

For more information contact
Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management
Chris Sorensen, Public Information Officer
719-688-1976 (cell, not for public release) or chris@kiowaoem.com

SHELTER OPENED IN KIOWA COUNTY FOR STRANDED MOTORISTS

   (EADS, COLORADO) The Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management has announced that a shelter will be established at the First Christian Church in Eads for motorists stranded by today’s highway closures and blizzard conditions. Amenities are currently limited to a place to sleep, water, and restrooms, but can be expanded if prolonged sheltering will be needed. Restaurants in the area are continuing to operate. Most motel rooms in Eads are full.
   The church is located at 100 East 7th Street at the north end of Maine Street. The church can be contacted at 719-438-5656.
   All highways out of Eads are currently closed except for Highway 287 SOUTH. At least nine inches of snow has fallen in the area since 3:00 a.m. today on top of a layer of ice from freezing rains yesterday, making all travel extremely hazardous. Conditions should be considered life-threatening, and similar conditions in past storms have lead to deaths. Blizzard-like conditions are expected to continue in to Thursday.
   Motorists who become stranded before reaching shelter should NOT leave their vehicles. Run the motor for 10 minutes per hour to keep warm, and make certain the exhaust pipes are kept clear. Due to conditions, receiving assistance may take some time, but the safest course of action will be staying in your vehicle.
   Governor Bill  Owens has declared a state-wide disaster due to the ongoing blizzard conditions. The Governor’s declaration will free up additional resources to help fight the worsening weather.
   General information about emergency services is available from the Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management, 719-438-2288, or the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office, 719-438-5411. For immediate emergencies, dial 911.

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Released 2006-12-20, 15:13 – Initial release – Also available electronically at www.kiowaoem.com