Anchorage, AK — Today, Mayor Dave Bronson issued a proclamation declaring a Public Health and Safety Emergency due to the extended and prolonged forecast of double-digit subzero temperatures, activating emergency measures to address the urgent needs of all vulnerable residents.
The proclamation is in effect for 14-days from January 26, 2024, until February 9, 2024, at 5 p.m. or otherwise extended.
Under the emergency proclamation, warming facilities will be operational for 24-hours a day. Those facilities have been made available at the following locations:
- The Aviator Hotel
- The Golden Lion
- The Cold Weather Shelter Facility (former SWS admin building)
These facilities have increased capacity by 30 people per location.
The key provisions of the emergency proclamation include:
Expansion of Sheltering Facilities: The Municipality of Anchorage Health Department (AHD) is authorized to utilize all available municipal resources, including personnel, facilities, and equipment, to address the effects of the Public Health and Safety Emergency. AHD will create additional space at existing municipal sheltering facilities to accommodate more individuals in need.
Use of Municipal Facilities: Additional municipal facilities maybe repurposed for sheltering or warming services as directed by AHD in consultation with the Anchorage Fire Department (AFD).
Emergency Acquisitions: The acquisition of necessary supplies, equipment, services, personnel, fuel, or food to expand sheltering capacity at Municipal facilities will be executed in accordance with established procedures, with specific exemptions from certain provisions of AMC chapters 7.15 and 7.20.
Transportation Assistance: The Anchorage Police Department (APD) and Anchorage Fire Department (AFD) personnel are authorized to transport individuals encountered outdoors with no shelter to these facilities or to other additional municipal facilities during operating hours. This transportation will be provided only to those who wish to be transported and consent to such transport.
No Limitation of Existing Powers: The proclamation does not limit the powers, authority, and responsibilities provided in the Cold Weather Sheltering Plan.
These emergency regulations will remain in effect for the duration of the Public Health & Safety Emergency and supersede conflicting laws during this period.
The mayor emphasizes the importance of community cooperation and expresses gratitude for the understanding and support of the Anchorage residents during this challenging time. The Municipality of Anchorage remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
Click here to read the emergency proclamation.
###
Media Contact
Veronica Hoxie, Communications Director, Office of the Mayor,
Veronica.Hoxie@anchorageak.gov, 907-615-1568