Ocean State Today

 Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Clara Decerbo are warning residents to take precautions as dangerously cold temperatures and high winds are forecasted for Friday evening through the weekend. In these predicted temperatures, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as ten minutes and the extreme cold temperatures can cause hypothermia. PEMA is urging residents to remember to check on family, the elderly, or others who may need assistance to make sure they are safe.

PEMA has provided the following cold weather tips:

• Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles; keep such devices away from all flammable materials
• Install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (at least one of each per floor in your home)
• Stay indoors and use safe heating sources
• Indoors, do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills, that produce carbon monoxide
• Outdoors, stay dry and in wind protected areas
• Wear a hat or hood to prevent heat from escaping the body and several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing, covering all exposed skin during exposure
• Bring household pets inside, if possible
• Wear mittens, a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs
• Watch for signs of frostbite – Skin appears white and waxy, numbness or no feeling in that area and/or possible blisters
• Watch for signs of hypothermia – Shivering and numbness, confusion or dizziness, stumbling and weakness, slow or slurred speech and shock

Temperatures will begin to drop Friday evening and the wind chill will remain below freezing throughout the weekend. In anticipation of colder weather, Providence Emergency Management Agency has identified the below Warming Centers located in Providence. Please note that hours may be subject to change.

Providence Warming Centers

• Crossroads RI: 160 Broad Street, 401-521-2255
  Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
• Providence Rescue Mission: 627 Cranston Street, 401-274-8861
  Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

If you or someone you know is in need of overnight shelter from the cold, call the United Way at 2-1-1 and they will direct you to a nearby facility.

Providence residents are strongly encouraged to review PEMA’s cold weather safety information, which includes safety tips and a list of available warming centers in Providence.

Downed power lines should be reported to Rhode Island Energy by following the information in this link and by calling 1-855-743-1102.

To report a non-emergency issue, connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1, visiting www.PVD311.com or by downloading the PVD311 mobile app for 24/7 access. To receive up-to-the-minute alerts and updates, residents are encouraged to register for the CodeRED emergency notification system.

Original source can be found here.