The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Warming center to be open 24 hours until noon Monday
MIDDLETOWN — With “extremely cold air” predicted through the weekend, the downtown Middletown warming center, at the Grace and Mercy Family Ministries, 93 Main St., will be open 24 hours until noon Monday, the city Health Department announced.
The warming center won’t be the only option for people needing refuge from the cold.
In addition, the Health Department noted, the lobby of the police station at 222 Main St. is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Several other buildings are available for more limited hours.
They include the Russell Library at 123 Broad St., which is open Friday and Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.; the city Recreation Center at 1 Wilderman’s Way, open Friday and Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen at 617 Main St., open Friday, Saturday and Monday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Sunday from 5 to 6 p.m.
In addition, the City Hall lobby at 245 deKoven Drive and the Senior Center at 61 Durant Terrace are open Friday and Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Information on winter storms and extreme cold weather is available by calling the United Way’s information number, 211, which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Health Department’s tips on avoiding frostbite or hypothermia include limiting time outside in cold, wet or windy weather; dressing in several layers of loose, warm clothing because air trapped between layers acts as insulation; and wearing windproof or waterproof outer garments that keep water away from the skin.
In addition, the Health Department recommends wearing a hat or headband that fully covers the ears; wearing gloves or, preferably, mittens, which tend to be warmer; wearing
wool or polypro socks, and warm, waterproof shoes or boots.
Less obvious advice includes eating wellbalanced meals and staying hydrated by drinking warm, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages.
Symptoms of frostbite, which is damage to skin and underlying tissues caused by prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, include “cold skin and a pricking feeling numbness, red, white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin hard or waxy looking skin,” the Health Department said.
“Treatment for mild frostbite includes rewarming of the skin,” the department continued. “Other types of frostbite require medical attention because of possible damage to the skin, tissues, muscle, bones, and nerves.”
As to hypothermia, which is an abnormally low body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures, the department said, symptoms “include shivering, slurred speech, exhaustion or feeling tired, memory loss, confusion, or bright red, cold skin.”
“If hypothermia is suspected, seek immediate medical attention,” the department continued. “While waiting for emergency help to arrive, gently move the person into a warm room or shelter if possible.
“If clothing is wet, carefully remove and replace with warm, dry coats or blankets,” the department said. “Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks.”