DECEMBER 16, 2022– (HAYWARD, WI) Sawyer County Public Health is working with Wisconsin 211 to provide information to those affected by the winter storm. The 211 hotline can answer many of the questions residents may have.
Please see the attached information and share for public safety. If you have any questions, please contact Joyce Knowlton at Sawyer County Public Health.
Sawyer County Emergency Management
Response to Winter Storm • December 15–17, 2022
211 Hotline
What is 211? A national help phone line is available through the United Way to assist in sharing information related to a number of community service messages. Sawyer County Emergency Management is using 211 to assist with providing local information and resources related to the December 15-17, 2022 snow storm that impacted Northwestern Wisconsin.
When should I call 211?
Call 211 If you have questions about the following:
· Power Outage
· Location of Emergency Shelters
· Transportation to Shelters
I currently do not have power. How can I report an outage or receive an update of when power will be restored?
All power companies servicing Sawyer County are experiencing numerous outages due to the widespread storm damage. Extensive damage has been caused by down trees and some roads are still impassable. All line crews, with additional crews from neighboring communities as well as contracted tree services are assisting. People without power should anticipate that this may be an extended outage lasting multiple days. Please plan accordingly.
If you have reported your outage, you may continue to check status, but please do not overwhelm the power companies by continuing to call. If your power was restored but went out again please call in the outage.
• XCEL ENERGY
Report Outage: Submit here: https://wi.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/report-outage or Text OUT to 98936
Outage Map: https://www.outagemap-xcelenergy.com/outagemap/
On December 16, 2022, over 5000 Xcel customers in Sawyer County were without power. They anticipate the majority of customers will have power by the evening of Saturday, December 17th.
• JUMP RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Report Outage: During business hours call 715-634-4575. If after-hours, use your mobile phone to connect to https://jrec.com/outages and click on the ‘Outage’ button.
Outage Map: https://jrec.ebill.coop/maps/external_outage_web_map/
As of Friday, December 16, over 7700 Jump River customers are without power, with over 4400 living in Sawyer County. They anticipate outages through the weekend.
• NORTH CENTRAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Call 662.895.2151 anytime, 24/7. During a major power outage, please keep calling every hour until you get through. 70% of main lines out of services, the majority of services will be restored by the evening of Saturday, December 17th.
No outage map available.
Emergency Shelters
Sawyer County FREE Shelters
Overnight Shelters are available and provide areas to sleep (some cots are available) food, water, telephone charging capabilities.
· Winter School, 6585 Grove Street, Winter, WI
· Sevenwinds Casino, 13767 W County Road B, Hayward, WI
· Wesleyan Church, 10655 Nyman Ave, Hayward, WI (available now, if requiring overnight accommodations please arrive by 9 pm)
Washburn County FREE Shelters The following shelters will remain open as long as there is a need. Please call before going to a shelter to make sure it is available.
· Shell Lake Community Center – 100 W Lake Drive, Shell Lake, 715-468-7679
· Minong Town Hall – W7095 Nancy Lake Rd. Call 715-466-5916
· Town of Chicog Hall – W8499 State Highway 77, Trego, 715-466-4129
· The Village of Minong Town Hall – 123 5th Ave. Minong, 715-939-0938
I have a pet, can I bring it to the shelter? Pets are not allowed at the shelters. Please make other arrangements.
Emergency Shelter Packing List
Shelters provide a warm place and electricity to make things a little more comfortable during an emergency. Be prepared and organized, settle in, and be safe and secure until you’re able to go home.
• The basics
o Phone and charger
o Flashlight
o Important papers (photo ID, Emergency contact info)
• Medical supplies (72 hours-worth)
o Prescription medications
o Oxygen tanks/tubes
o Walkers, canes, or wheelchairs
o Nebulizer treatments
• Clothing
o 2 changes of clothes
o Winter clothing (including boots)
• Bedding
o Sleeping bag
o Blanket
o Pillow
o Air mattress if you have one
o Earplugs to help you sleep
• Personal Items
o Bathing toiletries
o Washcloth/Towel
o Deodorant
o Toothbrush/paste
• Personal Entertainment
o Book
o Cards/Games
o Earphones
• Food
Shelters normally provide some sort of food, but if you want comfort food or you are on a special diet, you should bring your own.
• Pets
Shelters do not always accept pets. If you need to evacuate your home, take
your pets but make prior arrangements for them.
Do NOT bring
• Alcohol
• Weapons
• Smoking is not allowed in shelters
• Pets
Transportation to Shelters
Namekagon Transit is running and available to transport until 9:00 PM Friday evening. They also provide transportation on weekends. Please call 715-634-6633 to determine if transportation is available to you.
Other FAQs:
When can I expect my road will be plowed? Most township roads are plowed and open.
I am getting low on oxygen how can I receive help? Please call Sawyer County Dispatch at 715-634-5213 for help.
I cannot get out, how can I get the food, drinking water, and medications I need? Please call 715-638-3353. Leave your name and number on the answering system and someone will return your call within an hour.
I am concerned about someone and unable to reach them, how can I request a welfare check? If you are unable to check on them yourself, please call Sawyer County Dispatch at 715-634-5213.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Snow storms and power outages increase carbon monoxide poisoning incidents.Carbon monoxide is a gas that cannot be seen or smelled. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious and sometimes fatal condition; however, it can be prevented.
During a power loss, the most common sources of carbon monoxide exposure at home are:
· gas powered generators
· snow-blocked tailpipes
· propane heaters and lanterns
· charcoal grills
· gas appliances and heating systems
To minimize risk:
· Do not idle your car in the garage
· Only use generators outside, placed more than 20 feet away from all structures.
· Never use the stove to heat your residence or use charcoal-burning devices inside your home.
· Clear snow and ice from natural gas meters to prevent natural gas buildup due to vents becoming sealed with ice and snow.
· Clear snow from your furnace vents outside your home.
· Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. They are the only way to detect this odorless, colorless, life-threatening gas.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning:
· Headache
· Fatigue
· Shortness of breath
· Dizziness or lightheadedness
· Confusion
· Nausea
At high levels, carbon monoxide can cause death within minutes. If you suspect you or someone may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, or your detector sounds an alarm, go outside immediately for fresh air and call 911.