Warming Centers Available to Protect Residents from Extreme Cold

Bundle up and find shelter.

It is expected to get extremely cold in Woonsocket.

Wind chills could reach as low as 20 below zero in some areas in Providence County on Friday.

Woonsocket Emergency Management is offering warming centers to protect residents from the extreme cold.

There will be two warming centers open in Woonsocket:

Woonsocket Library

• 303 Clinton St.
• Open on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Woonsocket Senior Center

• 84 Social St.
• Open on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bathrooms and water fountains will be available. There will be no other amenities.

Other communities across the state have opened up shelters and warming centers to fight the severely cold conditions. See the full list of warming centers in Rhode Island on the RIEMA website

Here are some tips to stay safe and warm in the extreme cold according to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency:

• Dress warmly and layer. Even when you are inside or going outside for a few moments.
• Set the temperature inside your home according to your activity level, health and medications.
• Check up on elderly friends, family and neighbors frequently. They are especially susceptible to extremely cold temperatures.
• Be aware of the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia. Those suffering from frostbite can have a loss of feeling and color in their nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, drowsiness or slurred speech.
• Winterize your vehicle. Make sure the tires are in good condition and update your car emergency kit.

Photo Credit: Woonsocket Harris Public Library Facebook page

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