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Extreme Cold: Warming Centers, Shelters Ready

[CREDIT: NWS] Local warming centers and Housing Department shelters will offer respite from extreme cold this weekend.

[CREDIT: NWS] Local warming centers and Housing Department shelters will offer respite from extreme cold this weekend.
[CREDIT: NWS] Local warming centers and Housing Department shelters will offer respite from extreme cold this weekend.
PROVIDENCE, RI — The National Weather Service forecasts wind chill “feel-like” temperatures to dip into the teens during the coldest parts of the weekend, with the Governor and Department of Housing announcing shelters from the chill.

This afternoon’s high temperature of 31 degrees drops to a low of 14 tonight with snow already begun in some areas by early afternoon The lows could reach -2 degrees Saturday, the NWS reports. Sunday’s high will be 30 degrees, with a low of 15 degrees.

This week the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), and the Department of Housing have been preparing for this cold snap. RIEMA has been working with cities and towns across Rhode Island to ensure warming centers are prepared for an increase in demand, according to a statement from Gov. McKee’s office.
The Department of Housing announced locations of emergency pop-up shelters that will be open to Rhode Islanders in need, McKee’s office announced. Those are in addition to the state’s existing shelter network.
Locations include:
Newport
MLK Community Center
Hours: 1/19 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Peace Dale (South Kingstown)
Welcome House
Hours: Individuals seeking shelter can call (401)-782-4770 for assistance or come to the shelter at any time
Providence
Crossroads RI Community Room
Hours: 1/18 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m. 1/22
Westerly
WARM Center
56 Spruce St, Westerly, RI 02891
Hours: Individuals seeking shelter can call (401) 596-9276 for assistance or come to the shelter at any time.
West Warwick
West Warwick Civic Center
Hours: 1/19 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. 1/22
Woonsocket
CCA Storefront
Friday 1/19 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m. 1/22

RIDOH: Extreme cold safety

The Rhode Island Department of Health is reminding the public that extreme cold can cause hypothermia and frostbite and contribute to events like household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. The department recommends tips like dressing in layers, covering exposed skin when outdoors, and limiting your time in the elements as some of the ways Rhode Islanders can stay safe.

Red Cross Extreme Cold Tips

The Red Cross has posted a number of personal and homeowner tips for dealing with extreme cold weather:

Avoid unnecessary exposure to the cold. Be aware of both the temperature and the wind chill when planning outdoor activities. When you prepare to go outside in severe cold weather, please remember the following:

  • Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
  • Dressing in layers helps you retain heat. You can remove layers as needed if you become too warm.
  • Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.
  • Wear water proof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
  • Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.
  • Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
  • Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

National Weather Service: Extreme Cold Tips

In light of the extreme cold and wind chill, the weather service also lists the following tips: 

* IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO ALREADY...BE SURE TO COVER EXPOSED PIPES
  TO REDUCE THE THREAT OF FROZEN PIPES OR PIPE BURSTS.  

* ENSURE YOUR FURNACES ARE IN WORKING ORDER. FOLLOW MANUFACTURES
  INSTRUCTIONS OR UTILIZE A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN TO ENSURE PROPER
  AND SAFE OPERATION OF YOUR FURNACE.

* NEVER VENTURE OUTDOORS WITHOUT WEARING GLOVES...A HAT AND
  SEVERAL LAYERS OF CLOTHING. 

* RUN WATER AT A TRICKLE AND KEEP CABINET DOORS OPEN TO PREVENT
  PIPES FROM FREEZING.

* NEVER USE A STOVE OR OVEN TO HEAT YOUR HOME OR USE AN OPEN FLAME
  TO MELT FROZEN PIPES. MANY HOUSE FIRES RESULT FROM THESE
  PRACTICES.

* NEVER USE A GENERATOR NEAR OR INSIDE YOUR HOME. CARBON MONOXIDE
  POISONING IS DEADLY.  CHECK OR INSTALL CARBON MONOXIDE
  DETECTORS.

* CHECK TIRE PRESSURE AND YOUR CAR BATTERY. BE SURE YOUR CAR HAS
  A WINTER SAFETY KIT THAT INCLUDES A BLANKET...WARM CLOTHES AND
  GLOVES IN CASE YOUR CAR BREAKS DOWN OR BECOMES STRANDED.

* TAKE EXTRA STEPS TO KEEP YOUR PETS WARM AND KNOW THEIR LIMITS TO
  COLD.
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Rob Borkowski
Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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