Medford City Manager Brian Sjothun has issued a severe weather event declaration for Thursday, Jan. 19.

The declaration allows the use of approved severe event shelter facilities to provide overnight lodging when the temperature is expected to be below 25 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 degrees Fahrenheit with additional factors such as precipitation or wind.

The Medford Severe Weather Shelter will be open on Thursday, Jan.19. The shelter is located at 332 W. 6th Street and hours of operation will be 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 a.m. Services include food, bedding and dry storage capabilities. The shelter can accommodate 64 individuals and is low barrier, thus does not require any religious affiliation or drug testing to enter.

The shelter is staffed by volunteers coordinated by ACCESS. If you are interested in volunteering please email volunteer@accesshelps.org for more information.

Additionally, the City will postpone the removal of tents that are unlawful under the prohibited camping ordinance until the end of this severe weather event declaration. All fires remain prohibited throughout the City.

Background: The City partners with ACCESS to open and operate the severe weather shelter. It is the City’s responsibility to monitor forecasted weather conditions, coordinate with ACCESS to determine staffing ability and if staffing is available, declare a severe event.

If local organizations are interested in opening their facility to individuals in need of shelter during this extreme weather declaration, please contact Deputy Fire Marshal Tanner Farrington at 541-774-2300.