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

MEDIA RELEASE – For Immediate Release

December 30, 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

KIOWA COUNTY LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS CAN CALL DEM OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE

   (EADS, COLORADO) Kiowa County livestock producers who will need assistance getting feed to their animals are being asked to call the local Division of Emergency Management office at 719-438-2288. The county is compiling a list of affected producers in order to help prioritize clearing the most critically needed roads.
   County crews are currently awaiting a break in the weather in order to start road clearing operations. As of mid-morning Saturday, operations were impossible due to blowing and drifting snow that would close roads nearly as quickly as they could be opened.
   Kiowa County Commission Chair Rod Brown has stated that road and bridge crews are ready to help producers get to their animals as soon as conditions allow. Priority will, however, be given to any emergency situation involving risk to human life.
   According to Elaine Lindholm, Director of the Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management, public works crews in the town of Eads are providing assistance to hospital workers in getting to Weisbrod Hospital. Other road clearing efforts have been suspended pending better weather conditions.
   “Right now, with the current blowing snow, people should stay home and not try to travel anywhere in Kiowa County,” stated Lindholm. “Weather conditions are life-threatening, and rescuers may not be able to reach people who become stranded. If you have an emergency, call 911 so emergency workers can come to you.”
   The Kiowa County Commissioners declared a local disaster Friday due to the ongoing blizzard conditions, which are expected to continue through Sunday morning. The towns of Eads, Haswell and Sheridan Lake are also considering disaster declarations.
   Virtually all area roads are either officially or effectively closed. The National Weather Service in Pueblo is predicting winds gusting to 50 miles per hour today, along with an additional 2-4 inches of snow. The wind chill is approaching zero.
Governor Bill Owens has declared a state-wide disaster emergency due to the ongoing blizzard conditions. The Colorado National Guard, which was activated during last week’s blizzard, remains active to assist emergency workers in critical situations. 
   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 2006-12-30, 11:20– Initial release – Also available electronically at www.kiowaoem.com