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COVID-19 could affect Wisconsin severe weather shelter plans

Posted at 2:16 PM, Apr 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-18 15:16:14-04

WISCONSIN — Severe weather season is underway here in Wisconsin, and the COVID-19 pandemic could affect your shelter plans.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, it is important that you re-evaluate where you take shelter during an emergency.

While it is important to follow social distancing guidelines, ReadyMilwaukee is reminding Wisconsinites to make sure those guidelines don't prevent them from taking proper shelter.

“While COVID-19 remains a serious threat to public health, severe weather also poses a major risk to the safety of everyone in its path,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator. “While we do want people to practice safe social distancing when possible, that should never stop them from going to a shelter during a dangerous weather event.”

If you find yourself out and about during a severe weather emergency, it is important that you are aware of the buildings around you that are still open. Due to the safer at home order, many public buildings and facilities are closed.

In order to remain safe, ReadyMilwaukee is asking Wisconsinites to verify the status of buildings around them to see if they're open or not.

It is also important to check the weather before going out, and have emergency alerts activated on your phone.

Click here for more tips from ReadyWisconsin.

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