The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) and the Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) Issue Extreme Cold Advisory
The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) and the Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) are issuing a joint advisory to remind people of precautions to take in extreme cold. Frigid temperatures are predicted to start Wednesday afternoon and continue through the holiday weekend, so it is especially important that all Rhode Islanders take the following precautions:
1. Check on elderly family, friends and neighbors frequently. The elderly are especially susceptible to extremely cold temperatures.
2. Watch for ice that can cause falls and leave you unable to get back inside.
3. Indoor temperatures should be set according to activity level, health and medications. A safe, fuel-saving temperature for a young, active family may be dangerous for an older person who has trouble moving or is taking certain medications.
4. Wear a coat, hat, scarf and gloves even for a short walk to a mailbox. A fall or a locked door can leave you exposed to extreme cold.
5. Dress warmly if you are inside, especially if you are not physically active.
6. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can lower the body’s ability to keep warm.
7. If someone has been exposed to extreme cold and is showing signs of hypothermia (confusion, trouble walking, shivering) call 911 right away. Cover the person with a warm blanket. Do not rub the person’s arms or legs.
“Exposure to lower-than-normal temperatures for even a short time can be dangerous,” said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “It is important that we all use caution during extreme cold, and as a community, be particularly aware of those who are most at risk.”
“We want to ensure that all elders are safe in their community during the upcoming cold weather,” said Director of Elderly Affairs Corinne Calise Russo. “Anyone who has elderly friends, family or neighbors should make a plan to call and check in with them on a regular basis throughout the weekend.”
For more information on extreme cold, visit http://www.health.ri.gov/topics/cold.php . For information on local warming centers, see list below or
call 1-800-942-7434 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 – 4:30) or visit http://www.health.ri.gov .
Fox Point Senior Center, 90 Ives Street, Providence
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Weekdays)
751-2217
Portsmouth Multi-Purpose Center, 110 Bristol Ferry Road
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Weekdays)
683-4106
Pilgrim Senior Center, 27 Pilgrim Parkway Warwick
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Weekdays)
468-4090
Johnston Senior Center, 1291 Hartford Avenue
8:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m. (Weekdays)
January 17 and 18 (This Saturday and Sunday) 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
944-3343
North Kingstown Senior Center, 10 Beach Street
8: 30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Weekdays)
268-1590
East Providence Senior Center, 610 Waterman Avenue
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Weekdays)
*May be open for extended hours if the need occurs.
435-7800
Cranston Senior Services, 1070 Cranston Street
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Weekdays)
780-6000
Woonsocket Senior Center
84 Social Street
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
(Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16)
The Center
25 St. Dominic Road, Wakefield
7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.(Weekdays )
DaVinci Center
470 Charles St, Providence
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Weekdays)