(UNDATED) Dangerously cold temperatures are settling into Dodge County, and emergency officials say the next few days could turn life-threatening for anyone without reliable heat.
County emergency management leaders are urging residents to stay indoors when possible, limit time outside, and check on neighbors — especially older adults and anyone without adequate heating. Officials warn that even short trips can become risky if a car breaks down or power is lost.
Dodge County Emergency Management says it is closely monitoring forecasts from the National Weather Service and sharing safety information through social media and emergency alerts. With temperatures expected to drop into the single digits and below zero, officials say residents can take simple steps to stay safe and prevent costly damage at home.
They recommend running a small trickle of water from a few faucets during extreme cold, disconnecting outdoor hoses, and opening cabinets under sinks located along outside walls to allow warm air to circulate. Insulating exposed pipes in crawl spaces or along exterior walls can also help reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Officials also encourage residents to make sure windows are fully closed and properly sealed, and to check that furnace filters and thermostat batteries are up to date.
Emergency managers say everyday precautions can make a big difference, including plugging space heaters directly into wall outlets, never using ovens to heat homes, and bringing pets indoors.
Anyone who must travel is urged to keep blankets, warm clothing, and gloves in their vehicle in case of an emergency. If a vehicle stalls in extreme cold, officials say drivers should call 911 rather than risk exposure while waiting for help.
For people who lose heat or do not have a safe place to warm up, several public buildings across Dodge County are open as warming shelters during regular business hours. Residents are encouraged to check local municipal updates, as additional locations may open if conditions worsen.
Below is a list of available warming shelters in Dodge County:
Beaver Dam Community Library
1701 N. Spring St. (temporary location), Beaver Dam
- Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Columbus Public Library
223 W. James St., Columbus
- Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Dodge County Human Services and Health Department
199 County Rd. DF, Juneau
- Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Waupun Public Library
123 S. Forest St., Waupun
- Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Friday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Hutchinson Memorial Library
228 N. High St., Randolph
- Monday–Tuesday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Jack Russell Memorial Library
100 Park Ave., Hartford
- Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Horicon Public Library
404 E. Lake St., Horicon
- Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Hustisford Public Library
609 W. Juneau St., Hustisford
- Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
