Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Winter Storm Response topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wichita readies crews, shelters and pet accommodations ahead of predicted winter storm
Summary
Mayor's briefing outlined closures and reschedules, salt and plow priorities, emergency-shelter and pet arrangements, and safety tips from fire and police as a major winter storm approached.
Wichita officials on Jan. 6 urged residents to stay home if possible as the city prepared for what the mayor called a potentially significant winter storm, outlined service disruptions and described steps to protect residents, pets and critical infrastructure.
The mayor said the city has “approximately 6,000 tons of salt sand mix” and “roughly 10,000 tons of straight salt available,” and noted that lower temperatures reduce the effectiveness of de-icing treatment. He described plowing priorities: crews will first clear 1,500 lane miles of emergency routes and major streets, then about 300 lane miles of secondary and school-access streets, while working 12-hour shifts during the storm.
Lieutenant Morgan of the Wichita Fire Department offered household safety guidance including: “Test those smoke alarms,” plan two escape routes, keep house numbers visible so responders can find homes, use battery-powered flashlights and keep generators outdoors. Morgan warned that candles are a last option and urged caution with space heaters and ovens.
Officer Pena of the Wichita Police Department said drivers should avoid travel if possible, allow extra time if they must go out, use headlights and keep tires in good condition. Pena also described the city’s Emergency Accident Reporting Plan (ERP), which may limit officer response to accidents involving injury, DUI, hit-and-run or inoperable vehicles during the storm.
On sheltering, the mayor said the Second Light emergency shelter at 9th and Main remains open with a capacity of 390 people. Shelter Manager Emily Hurst described arrangements to take in animals belonging to unhoused residents during the 72-hour emergency window: “We will be taking in animals for any unhoused residents that will be seeking emergency shelter over the next 72 hours of the storm,” Hurst said, adding that animal control or shelter staff will coordinate transportation and request contact information or photo ID when possible.
Officials encouraged residents to give plow trucks space, check on elderly neighbors and follow city updates via online and broadcast channels. The mayor closed by asking the public to be patient and to prioritize safety during the storm.
The city will continue to update service and shelter status online and through media channels as conditions evolve.
