Lincoln Unveils Cold Response Plan for Extreme Weather

The city and Lancaster County plan will activate warming centers and cold briefs whenever the National Weather Service issues a cold alert.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Severe Weather

Brick civic building with tall windows and a snowy front step under a pale winter sky, steam rising from a grate on an empty frosted sidewalk. — Lincoln and Lancaster County unveiled a Cold Response Plan that activates warming centers and distributes cold briefs to more than 150 partners when the National Weather Service issues a cold alert. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust your local government to protect residents during dangerous cold weather?

Lincoln and Lancaster County unveiled a new Cold Response Plan for extreme cold events. When the National Weather Service issues a cold alert, the Health Department will activate the plan and distribute cold briefs to more than 150 partners.

Why it matters

Local data shows cold-related emergency visits have risen steadily over recent years, making coordinated preparation a growing priority for the community. The plan is designed to help residents prepare and respond before dangerous conditions arrive.

Cold-related illness outpatient visits in Lincoln-Lancaster County rose from 27 in 2019 to 153 in 2023 before falling to 110 in 2025. Outpatient visits for falls on ice or snow dropped from 938 in 2019 to 299 in 2025, and the reasons for these declines were not detailed.

The players

Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department

The county health agency that activates the Cold Response Plan and distributes cold briefs to partners when cold alerts are issued.

National Weather Service

The federal forecasting agency whose cold alerts trigger activation of the Cold Response Plan.

The details

Designated warming centers, including Lincoln City Libraries, Lincoln Parks and Recreation Centers, and Aging Partners Victory Park Senior Center, will serve residents during regular operating hours. Seven additional warming sites run by partner organizations, including the People City Mission overnight shelter, will also be available.

2019: Baseline year for cold-related and fall injury outpatient visits.
2023: Cold-related illness outpatient visits peaked at 153.
2025: Cold-related illness outpatient visits declined to 110.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Cold Response Plan unveiled.
Throughout the winter season: Designated warming centers available during regular operating hours.

Seasonal Patterns

The plan builds on National Weather Service cold alerts, which now trigger a local response protocol linked to designated warming centers. Local outpatient data showing cold-related visits climbing from 27 in 2019 to 153 in 2023 frames why the county is formalizing this response.

Residents should use the designated warming centers during regular operating hours when cold alerts are in effect. Check on at-risk neighbors and household members during extreme cold, and watch for ice and snow hazards to reduce fall risk.

The takeaway

Preparing before a cold alert arrives gives residents the best chance to stay warm and safe. Knowing where warming centers are and checking on vulnerable neighbors can make a real difference during extreme cold.