The week of Jan. 8, Johnson County, along with the rest of the metro area, had to deal with sub-zero temperatures, frigid wind chills of 20 and 30 degrees below zero and snow.

In anticipation of the weather impacts and with a priority to balance safety with serving our community, Johnson County Government monitored weather conditions and the forecast to make decisions about county operations. We were able to remain open for business throughout the weather, with limited impacts to the programs and services upon which you rely. We wanted to share some stories from our staff that allowed us to continue to serve you despite the harsh conditions.

Dispatchers and emergency communications staff proactively chose to stay overnight in bunk beds and cots to avoid staffing disruptions, and called in extra staff to to ensure all 9-1-1 calls would be handled timely, especially with the added calls winter weather events can bring.

The Facilities Management grounds team worked to remove snow and ice from sidewalks and parking lots in Johnson County facilities, arriving early to work as needed to move snow and apply ice melt, and maintenance crews ensured consistent heating was available in county buildings.

Public Works crews worked day and night on roads in the unincorporated areas of the county, operating on 12-hour shifts from Jan. 5-16. They treated treating 330 miles of asphalt and 147 miles of gravel roads, while applying 1,300 tons of salt. Learn more about crews’ snow removal process, and use the search tool to find out who manages your snow removal.

The county provided the most updated information on weather-related impacts and warming center availability throughout the weather, including posting information online at jocogov.org/snow. Warming centers include Johnson County Library and Olathe Public Library branches, local community centers and more.

Additionally, leadership and community members collaborated to share information about temporary warming centers to bridge the gap in available resources and help those in need, thanks to the work of partners at the Good Faith Network, Project 1020 and United Community Services of Johnson County.

The county’s actions helped keep the broader community safe, while ensuring employees could safely provide needed services despite the challenging weather.