Woonsocket EMA to open warming centers on 12/16
Posted on: December 15, 2016 - 4:09pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2016
Contact: Blake Collins, bcollins@woonsocketri.org, office: (401) 762-6400 ex: 2963, cell: (508) 838-3371
Woonsocket EMA to open warming centers on 12/16
Woonsocket, RI: The City of Woonsocket’s Emergency Management Agency has announced that due to a forecast of extremely cold temperatures on Friday, December 16, two warming centers will be opened to the public. The Woonsocket Senior Center and the Woonsocket Harris Public Library will be open during normal business hours to shelter from the cold weather.
The National Weather Service has forecast below freezing temperatures and wind for Friday resulting in the coldest weather of the year. Wind chill is expected to intensify already low temperatures resulting in hazardous conditions for humans and animals that remain outdoors for extended periods of time.
Woonsocket Warming Center information:
- Woonsocket Senior Center: 84 Social Street; open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
- Woonsocket Harris Public Library: 303 Clinton Street; open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Woonsocket EMA offers the following advice to prepare for colder than normal weather:
- Dress warmly, and in layers, even if you are just making a short trip to the mailbox. If you fall or a door locks behind you, you could be exposed for a longer period of time than you planned.
- Dress warmly even when you are inside—especially if you do not move a lot.
- The temperature inside your home should be set according to your own activity level, health, and medications. What is an acceptable, fuel-saving temperature for an active family may not be safe for an older person who has difficulty moving or takes certain medications.
- The elderly are especially susceptible to extremely cold temperatures. Check on elderly friends, family, or neighbors frequently.
- Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Symptoms of frostbite can include loss of feeling and loss of color and usually happens on the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Symptoms of hypothermia in adults can include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, drowsiness, or slurred speech. In infants, symptoms of hypothermia can include bright red, cold skin and low energy.
- Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol lowers the body’s ability to retain heat.
- Make sure your car is ready for the extreme weather conditions. Get your vehicle winterized and make sure tires are in good condition. Check your car emergency kit and replace any items that are broken or are unsafe to use.
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