🥶Lincoln and Lancaster County unveil a Cold Response Plan for dangerously cold weather

If you've wondered where to warm up when the temperature plunges, Lincoln now has a plan for that. Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Health Department Director Kerry Kernen announced the Cold Response Plan Thursday, tying the city's response to National Weather Service cold alerts. Local data shows a steady increase in emergency room visits for cold-related illnesses, and Gaylor Baird said the city, county and partners "want to reverse that trend."

When an alert goes out, the Health Department will send information to the more than 150 community partners in the network. Those groups are encouraged to open warming centers and check on vulnerable residents. All city libraries, Parks and Recreation community centers and the Victory Park Senior Center will be warming centers during regular business hours all winter.

• Warming spot: Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, 2121 N. 27th St.
• Warming spot: People's City Mission, 110 Q St., 402-475-1303
• Warming spot: The Bridge Connect, 721 K St., 402-477-3951
• Warming spot: Salvation Army, 2625 Potter St., 402-474-6263