City of Independence, MO
01/27/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/27/2023 10:51
Independence activates warming site Sunday, Jan. 29, through Tuesday, Jan. 31
Independence activates warming site Sunday, Jan. 29, through Tuesday, Jan. 31
January 27, 2023
The City of Independence has activated the Roger T. Sermon Community Center as a warming site beginning Sunday, Jan. 29. The Warming Center will be open from 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30, and Tuesday, Jan. 31. Staff and volunteers are working with Warming Site patrons to connect them with overnight resources.
Please take precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from cold weather-related illnesses. During periods of extreme cold weather, the following individuals are most at risk:
- Older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating.
- Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms.
- People who remain outdoors for long periods.
- People who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.
Please check on family and friends regularly during extreme weather and remember in the case of an emergency always call 9-1-1.
If the outdoors cannot be avoided, make sure the nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin, and fingers are covered in warm dry clothing. These are the areas most at-risk for frostbite and should be protected at all times. Frostbite symptoms include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy and numbness. If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care.
Hypothermia,?or abnormally low body temperature, is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures. Warnings signs of hypothermia are different in adults and infants. Adult symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. Infant symptoms include bright red or cold skin and very low energy. If you notice any of these signs, take the person's temperature.?If it is below 95° F, the situation is an emergency-get medical attention immediately.
Pets should not be kept outdoors in these temps without appropriate shelter. If pets cannot come inside, please make sure they have a dry, draft-free enclosure, and access to fresh, unfrozen water.
If you are in need of additional information or resources, please call the City's community partner United Way 211 line, at 2-1-1 or (816) 474-5112.