RIEMA NEWS
For Use: Immediately
Date: January 3, 2014
Extreme Cold Precautions and Update of Current Warming Centers
Rhode Islanders are urged to take precautions during extreme cold conditions. Colder than normal temperatures and wind chills are predicted for Rhode Island the next 24 – 36 hours. The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) reminds everyone of the following tips to stay safe during extreme cold:
• Dress warmly, and in layers, even if you are just making a short trip to the mailbox. • 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. • Remove clothing if it gets damp or wet. Wet clothing can make you more prone to hypothermia. • 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. • Check your car emergency kit and replace any items that are broken or are unsafe to use.
The following warming centers are open for the times and locations listed: • East Greenwich: Swift Community Center, 121 Pierce St.; Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. • East Greenwich: East Greenwich Police Department Community Center; Fri: Anytime after normal business hours and in the event of the Swift Community Center closing. • Hopkinton: Town Council Chambers; 1 Town House Rd.; Fri., 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. • Newport: The Florence Gray Center Main Lobby; 1 Shimoda Way; Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Newport: Donovan Manor Chapel Street Side Lobby; 19 Chapel St.; Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Newport: Newport Public Library; 300 Spring St.; Fri.: Closed, Sat., 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Newport: Seamen's Church Institute; 18 Market Square; Fri.: 7:00 a.m. until storm's completion. • Pawtucket: Pawtucket Public Library, 13 Summer St.; Fri - Sat.: 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. • Pawtucket: The RIPTA waiting room on Roosevelt Ave downtown; Fri: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Pawtucket: The Blackstone Valley Visitor Center at 175 Main St.; Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Pawtucket: Seniors with heat-related issues may also contact the Senior Center at 728-7582 or the city's Seniors Liaison, Beth Roberge, at 728-0500, ext. 241. • South Kingstown: Neighborhood Guild; Fri: Normal business hours • South Kingstown: Senior Center; Fri: Normal business hours • South Kingstown: Public Libraries; Fri: Normal business hours
For additional Information, contact: Armand Randolph/401-462-7183
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