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St. Joseph County Department of Health issues advisory due to low temperatures

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The St. Joseph County Department of Health is issuing a public health advisory due to low temperatures and wind chills reaching below 0° Fahrenheit in the coming days.
Exposure to extreme cold outdoors or the inability to find warm shelters could result in life-threatening medical issues such as frostbite and hypothermia.
The Department of Health wants to remind the public to take the following vital precautions to prevent coldrelated illness and injuries:
• Wear appropriate clothing – layers of loose-fitting winter clothes, water-resistant boots, gloves, & hat
• Do not leave warm shelters unless necessary. • Do not leave children or pets in cars even if the heat is on
• Focus on keeping extremities warm, such as nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin, and fingers
• Drink plenty of water and refrain from drinking sugary or alcoholic drinks.
• Keep your pet warm and check asphalt for pet-friendly salt.
• Check in on those at high risk of suffering from a cold-related illness (Young children, older adults, individuals with chronic conditions, individuals without heat, etc.)
• Any Wind Chill under -18 degrees, exposed skin could get frostbite within 10 minutes.
• Apply lotion and lip balm to avoid dry skin
Know the signs and symptoms of cold-related illness: Uncontrollable shivering ▪ Exhaustion ▪ Confusion ▪ Fumbling Hands ▪ Memory Loss ▪ Slurred Speech ▪ Drowsiness ▪ Redness or pain in skin ▪ A white or grayish area on skin ▪ Unusually firm or waxy feeling skin ▪ Numbness
• If a person’s temperature is below 95 degrees, seek medical attention immediately
• Always check for the Real Feel or Wind Chill temperature before leaving any warm shelter
The City of South Bend and City of Mishawaka’s community centers are open as warming centers.
See below for locations and hours of operations:
• Charles Black Community Center – 3419 W Washington St, South Bend, IN 46619 · Monday-Thursday: 9am-9pm; Friday: 9am-5pm · · Saturday & Sunday: Closed MLK Day (1/20/25): Closed
• Howard Park Event Center – 219 S St Louis Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617 · Monday-Thursday: 8am-8pm; Friday: 8am-10pm · · Saturday: 9am-10pm; Sunday: 11am-8pm MLK Day (1/20/25): 9am-8pm
• O’Brien Fitness Center – 321 E Walter St, South Bend, IN 46614 · Lobby and bathroom available · · · Monday – Thursday 5am-9pm; Friday 5am-7:30pm Saturday: 9am-4pm; Sunday: 9am-2pm MLK Day (1/20/25): 5am-9pm
• Battell Community Center – 904 N Main St, Mishawaka, IN 46545 · Monday-Thursday: 8am-8pm; Friday: 8am-5pm · · Saturday & Sunday: Closed MLK Day (1/20/25): 8am-8pm
Other warming centers include:
• St. Joseph Public Library – 304 S. Main Street (corner of Wayne & Main) · Monday-Thursday: 9am-8pm, Friday-Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sunday: 1-5pm  · · ·  Information, Resources, meeting rooms Cultivate meals on 2nd floor Commons, delivered M-F.  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day hours (1/20/25): CLOSED
• United Way 1Roof – 405 E Dubail Ave, South Bend, IN 46613 · Monday-Friday 8am-5pm · Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day hours (1/20/25): CLOSED • First UMC – 333 N. Main St, South Bend, IN 46601 · Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day hours (1/20/25): 1-6pm
If you experience any power outage or loss of heat in your home, immediately do the following:
Renters
▪ Contact Landlord/Leasing Office
Homeowners
▪ Contact your Utility Company
For those experiencing homelessness, you can find more resources for shelter, food, clothing, and many more services at www.southbendin.gov/homelessness

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1 comment

RH January 23, 2025 at 8:29 am

Humans know how to take care of themselves. Animals dont. If you see dogs left outside, take action. Advocate for them! If you have stale bread or crackers throw them out for birds and other critters. Take care of the animals/pets!!

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