Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac has issued a wind chill warning, which is in effect from 9pm this evening to noon EST Sunday. Temperatures will drop below zero this evening with gusty northwest winds likely producing wind chills of 20 to 25 below zero by evening. Temperatures will then bottom out at 5 to 15 below zero around sunrise Sunday with wind chills of 20 to 30 below zero.

IMPACTS:
- Bitterly cold wind chills could lead to frost bite in 15 minutes or less.
- Prolonged exposure to this extreme cold will lead to hypothermia and possibly death.

COLD WEATHER HEALTH TIPS:
- If you live alone, arrange for a daily check-in call with a friend, neighbor, relative, emergency contact. A quick call can be so important.
- Have regular hot drinks and eat at least one hot meal a day if possible.
- Drink adequate amounts of liquids, such as water. Limit your alcohol intake because alcohol speeds up body heat loss.
- Wear several light, loose layers of warm clothes to trap warm air between them. Use a blanket to keep legs and shoulders warm and wear a hat, socks, shoes or slippers.
- Keep as active in your home as possible.
- Set your thermostat to at least 68°F degrees and above to heat your home.
- Check with your doctor to see if any prescription drugs such as anti-depressants, sedatives, tranquilizers, and cardiovascular drugs or over the counter medications you are taking may increase your risk for hypothermia (when body temperature drops below normal and stays low for a prolonged period of time)
- Get proper rest; fatigue makes you more vulnerable to cold temperatures.
- Draw your curtains at dusk and keep your doors closed to block out cold air.
- Use extra blankets because hypothermia can develop during sleep.
- Never use stoves, ovens or outdoor grills as a source of heat.
Check your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors to ensure they operate properly.
- Wrap up warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside on cold days. Hold handrails on stairs , and stick to cleared sidewalks and roads.
- Wear a hat and scarf to avoid significant heat loss through your head and neck.
- Stay dry. Moisture from perspiration, rain, or melting snow can seriously reduce or destroy the insulating value of clothing because water conducts body heat over 25 times faster than air.
-If you suspect that someone is suffering from the cold and you have a thermometer available, take his or her temperature. If it’s 96 degrees or lower, call 911 for emergency help.

WARMING SHELTERS:
In addition to the 50 beds at the Delonis Shelter in Ann Arbor, an Overnight Warming Center will be hosted by three congregations on a rotating basis from January 5th thru March 30th of 2015 from 7pm-7am.

Overnight Warming Center participants are required to check in between 7 and 8pm at the Delonis Center, 312 West Huron Street. Individuals will be screened for access to housing resources, then will be bussed to the offsite location. At 7am each morning, participants will be transported to the Saint Andrew’s breakfast program. Participating churches include:

- Bethlehem United Church of Christ
- Crossroads Community Baptist Church
- Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church

The Daytime Warming Center will be open 9am-4pm each day and participants will be required to give their name every day they attend to keep track of the community need. Monday-Friday daytime warming center will be at the churches on a rotation basis, with the Delonis Center operating Saturday and Sunday. Participating churches are:

- Saint Mary’s Student Chapel, 331 Thompson St Ann Arbor (January)

- First Congregational Church, 608 East. William St. Ann Arbor (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in February)

- First Baptist Church, 517 E. Washington Ann Arbor (Tuesdays and Thursdays in February)

- The Lord of Light Lutheran Church/Student Chapel, 801 S. Forest, Ann Arbor (March)