Lake, Porter warming centers to help as temps drop to dangerous levels
Warming centers are popping up throughout the area as frigid cold temperatures take hold.
Dr. Roland Walker, Gary’s health commissioner, advised people to exercise caution outdoors and to check on family members and friends, especially those who may have heating concerns or housing issues.
“This is a very dangerous time,” Walker said.
People often don’t see the signs of hypothermia in extreme conditions like this and risk organ damage or even death, he said. Those who do not have a warm place to go need to take advantage of warming centers available in the city and surrounding communities.
Walker said there are fewer centers open this year in the area in part due to the challenges posted by the pandemic caused by COVID-19 but also because the centers are expensive to run and difficult to staff. In Gary, the locations of the warming centers have moved every year for various reasons.
“One of my goals as health commissioner is to create a dedicated warming and cooling center site in the next three or four years so people always know where to come,” Walker said.
Kevin Birk, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Romeoville, Illinois, said the worst of frigid temperatures will occur overnight Wednesday as the mercury dips to somewhere between minus 5 and minus 8 degrees. The wind chill will create a feels-like temperature of 20 degrees below zero.
“Conditions won’t improve much during the day Wednesday, either, in spite of a decent amount of sunshine,” Birk said.
Thursday will bring a brief reprieve as temperatures during the day approach 30 degrees, but expect the temperatures to drop again overnight Thursday into Friday. Temperatures are expected to be in the teens Friday and Saturday.
Walker said exposure starts with exposed areas feeling coolness, then warmth, burning and pain.
“The minute your limbs start to feel cool you need to get somewhere to warm up. The minute you feel pain, those organs are in danger,” Walker said. Those outside should wear layers, which will help. People in danger of exposure should seek out a warming center.
In Gary, warming centers are open when the temperatures dip below 32 degrees. Daytime locations are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include the Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Room at 1900 W. 41st Ave., which is open to women and children only, and Brother’s Keeper at 2120 Broadway, which is open for men only. An overnight warming center operates from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. at Holy Angels School, 973-975 W. 6th Ave. Entrance after 7 p.m. requires police or fire escort. COVID protocols are in force.
Residents needing transportation to a warming center can board any Gary city bus and provide Code 32 for a free ride. Bus operators will drop off individuals as close as possible to the available warming centers.
Hammond is operating daytime warming centers from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave., Jean Shephard Center, 3031 JF Mahoney Drive and Lost Marsh Golf Course, 1001 129th St.
The City of Valparaiso has coordinated with local efforts to announce the availability of warming centers when temperatures and wind chills dip below freezing. To reduce the risk of COVID-19, warming centers encourage masks and social distancing.
Warming Centers can be found at the Valparaiso YMCA, 1202 Cumberland Crossing, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday; the Porter County
Public Library, Valparaiso Branch at 103 Jefferson St., from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday; Housing Opportunities, 2001 Calumet Ave., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
In addition, the Valparaiso Police Department offers a special program for individuals who may need special help during weather emergencies. The Contact Assistance Referral (CARE) Program means the VPD will check on residents during harsh weather. To register yourself or a loved one for CARE, contact Captain Joe Hall at 219 462-2135.
In Griffith temporary warming centers will be established during emergency situations and inclement weather at the Griffith Central Fire Station, 130 N. Lafayette St. If residents are unable to provide their own transportation to the center, they may call 219-924-7503.
Warming centers will be available by request in Porter. Those in need of a warm place to stay are asked to contact the Porter Police Department nonemergency number at 219-926-7611.