January 10, 2024
For immediate release
City prepares for winter weather
The National Weather Service has forecast a blast of wintry weather in Southeast Kansas over the next week, including drastically cold temperatures, strong winds and precipitation. The Arctic blast is expected to move in around midnight Thursday, with temperatures over the next several days plummeting to below zero lows and single-digit highs, with an expected 1 to 3 inches of snow and winds up to 30 miles per hour.
City of Independence personnel are monitoring the situation and making preparations to help keep citizens safe. Following are important announcements regarding weather safety and changes to City service schedules:
Warming Shelters
- The City has warming shelter locations on stand-by in the event they are needed. Citizens who believe they will need access to a warming shelter are advised to call the Independence Police Department’s non-emergency line (620) 331-1700 in advance of the cold snap or visit the police department in person at 120 N. 6th. Once the need for shelter is confirmed, space will be opened, and citizens will be directed where to go.
Those seeking shelter should bring any needed medical equipment (oxygen, etc.) and medications. Pets are not allowed at the warming centers, and advance arrangements should be made for pets to ensure they have appropriate shelter, food and water.
Safety Considerations
- When precipitation and strong winds combine, slick roadways, drifting snow and “whiteout” conditions are possible. Residents are encouraged to stay home, drive only when necessary and use extreme caution. City crews will be unable to work in dangerously cold temperatures, so streets may become treacherous or impassable at times.
- In anticipation of the weather, residents should be sure their homes are stocked with groceries and needed medications.
- Pets should be brought indoors or provided sufficient shelter from below-freezing temperatures and wintry precipitation.
- Residents should take care to avoid freezing water pipes by allowing water to trickle from faucets during extremely low temperatures.
- It’s NEVER a good idea to start a fire indoors outside of a fireplace or use open-flame space heaters or cooking appliances to heat your home. If you or someone you know does not have appropriate shelter or requires assistance, please contact the Independence Police Department via its non-emergency line, 620-332-1700.
Closures and Schedule Changes
- Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo will be closed Saturday through Tuesday due to the extreme cold.
- City Hall will be closed Monday as regularly scheduled for the MLK holiday.
- Also due to the holiday, there will be no trash pick-up on Monday. Services will be shifted one day next week. (Monday’s routes will be picked up on Tuesday, etc.)
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Media Contact:
Joanne Smith | joannecox68@gmail.com | 620.330.3006