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

MEDIA RELEASE – For Immediate Release

December 31, 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

PHONE SET UP FOR KIOWA COUNTY RESIDENTS NEEDING NON-EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

   (EADS, COLORADO) The Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management has established a telephone number for residents, especially the elderly or home-bound, to call for NON-emergency assistance. Residents can call 719-688-3067 and ask for Elaine Lindholm, who will relay the caller’s information to the appropriate agency for assistance. Emergency calls should still be made to 911. KCDEM is also working with area churches to activate their calling lists to relay information to Lindholm.
   Lindholm is also compiling a list of volunteers with four-wheel-drive who may be available to offer assistance if needed. Volunteers should call Lindholm at the same number.
   Residents are being asked to check on their neighbors and provide assistance when possible such as clearing snow from doorways and sidewalks. Residents should also check roofs for excessive amounts of snow. Roofs have collapsed on several buildings in southeast Colorado due to snow loads.
   Kiowa County road and bridge workers have begun to clear roads, however non-essential travel is strongly discouraged. Town crews are also currently working to clear emergency routes and other roadways. Clearing roads will be a slow process, and residents are asked to have patience while the work progresses. Most roads in the area remain closed or extremely hazardous at best.
   Temperatures in the area will remain near 30 today and drop below 10 degrees tonight. Wind chill values will drop below zero, so if you must go outside, dress warmly and limit outdoor activities to essential items only.
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Released 2006-12-31, 12:09– Initial release – Also available electronically at www.kiowaoem.com