Ward 2: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, Park Avenue School.

Ward 4: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, Fairview School.

Ward 5: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, Sherwood Heights.

Getting word out key to energy effort success

AUBURN – The city’s success at creating a program to catch people at risk of losing their heat this winter will depend on how well the word gets out.

Mayor John Jenkins said Thursday the city is going to do it best to spread the word about programs aimed at keeping citizens warm this winter. That includes creating Web pages and booklets of information about heating oil and energy efficiency programs, getting the information out in the news media and putting up posters and fliers where possible.

“There still may be a few that don’t have the right information, but it won’t be for a lack of trying,” Jenkins said.

He hosted the second in a series of five ward meetings to brief Auburn residents about winter heating programs. The meeting was sparsely attended, with only four people there who were not city officials or employees.

The series moves to the Park Avenue School at 6:30 p.m. Friday night. It continues Monday and Tuesday next week, as well.

“We wanted these meetings to be set aside for people in a certain ward, but now we’re more concerned about people just coming,” Jenkins said. “If you can attend a meeting at all, please do. Everyone is welcome.”

Jenkins outlined some steps to spread the word about Auburn’s energy program. It includes the Neighbor’s Keepers, a cadre of volunteers who would monitor conditions in their neighborhood, alerting city officials if someone appears to need help filling their oil tank or finding a warm place to stay.

Each volunteer would have to pass a background check performed by Auburn police. Jenkins imagines between five and 21 volunteers working in each of Auburn’s five wards. Volunteer forms should be ready by Wednesday, he said.

Deputy fire Chief Mike Minkowsky also outlined some of the state and federal aid programs, including LIHEAP and general assistance, designed to help low income residents. Help is available, but there’s not much and demand might be too great.

“We don’t have any guarantees that the federal government is going to be parachuting in with tanks of oil to help us this winter,” Minkowsky said. Auburn and its residents may have to count on each other.

Jenkins suggested neighbors and family members start talking now about where they’ll go if their tanks run dry or the power goes out.

“A shelter is a last resort, and it’s not really the best place,” Jenkins said. “A home, a warm home with friends and food will be more comfortable.”

The city does have shelters, just in case. The Park Avenue school is the city’s dedicated emergency shelter, but Minkowsky said the city can also use the Hasty Armory and parts of Auburn Hall, if necessary.

This winter’s effort will also depend heavily on the United Way’s 211 initiative. That’s a telephone clearinghouse of social programs and help. Calls to 211 locally will connect callers with every kind of social help available – from program information to overnight help when an oil tank runs dry.

“The bottom line is, if you think you might need help this winter, start calling now,” Minkowsky said. “Now is the time to call general assistance or for information about loans. Don’t wait until it’s already cold.”