Do you remember Providence Mayor Smiley Announces Warming Centers For Upcoming Weekend Freeze! Feb 2023

Do you remember in 2023 we wrote about the freezing weather? Here is the link to the article

Mayor Smiley Urges Residents to Prepare for Dangerous Cold Temperatures Thursday Through Saturday Night

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Clara Decerbo are urging residents to take precautions as extreme cold weather is expected from Thursday evening through Saturday night.

Wind Chill Watch and Weather Forecast

A Wind Chill Watch will go into effect Thursday night. Temperatures are forecasted to drop sharply Friday morning, with wind chills remaining below freezing through Saturday night. Snow and strong winds on Thursday evening into Friday morning may cause slippery conditions, with up to 1 inch of snow accumulation during the Friday morning commute.

Additional Shelter and Warming Centers

To ensure the safety of those experiencing homelessness, PEMA has designated the following shelters, open 24/7 from Friday morning through Sunday morning:

Crossroads RI: 160 Broad Street | 401-521-2255
Providence Rescue Mission: 627 Cranston Street | 401-274-8861
Emmanuel House: 239 Public Street | 401-421-7888
Cranston Street Armory (facilitated by Amos House): 310 Cranston Street | 401-272-0220

Additionally, all nine Providence Community Libraries will serve as warming centers on Friday from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM. On Saturday, Rochambeau, Knight Memorial, and Mount Pleasant branches will open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes in these frigid temperatures, and hypothermia is a serious risk. PEMA recommends the following safety measures:

Use space heaters and candles safely; keep them away from flammable materials.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (one of each per floor).
Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
Never use fuel-burning devices indoors, such as charcoal grills.
Outdoors, stay dry and shield yourself from the wind.
Wear a hat or hood and dress in layers of lightweight, warm clothing. Cover all exposed skin.
Bring pets indoors, if possible.
Protect extremities with mittens, a hat, and a scarf to cover your mouth.
Know the signs of frostbite (white, waxy skin, numbness, or blisters) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, weakness, slurred speech).

How to Get Help

If you or someone you know needs overnight shelter, contact the United Way by dialing 2-1-1.

For more cold weather safety tips and a full list of available warming centers, visit PEMA’s website.

To report non-emergency issues, connect with the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1, visiting PVD311.com, or downloading the PVD311 mobile app. Stay informed by signing up for CodeRED emergency notifications.

Stay safe and take precautions during this dangerously cold weather.