Providence, RI- Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and Emergency Management Director Kevin Kugel are warning residents to take precautions as low temperatures are forecasted for Wednesday evening into Thursday morning. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold weather can cause hypothermia and frostbite. PEMA is urging residents to remember to check on family, the elderly, or others with access and functional needs to make sure they are safe.
EMA 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 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
Those affected by the cold or in need of assistance can call the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1 or downloading the PVD311 application for 24/7 submissions.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for CodeRED for up-to-date emergency notifications or download the application at www.providenceri.com/PEMA/codered.
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. The City of Providence is fully prepared to open an emergency warming shelter if there is a need. At this time, those seeking EMERGENCY shelter should head to Crossroads RI.
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:
Davinci Center for Community Progress:
470 Charles Street
Mon – Fri: 8:30AM – 4:30PM
Federal Hill House:
9 Courtland Street
Mon – Fri: 6:30AM – 6PM
Silver Lake Annex Multi-Purpose Community Center:
529 Plainfield Street
Mon – Fri: 6:30AM – 5PM
Library Branches:
Fox Point Library:
90 Ives St
Mon: 9AM – 5:30PM
Tues: 1PM – 8PM
Wed – Fri: 1PM – 6PM
Mt. Pleasant Library:
315 Academy Ave
Mon – Tues: 1PM – 9PM
Wed: 12PM – 6PM
Thurs: 9:30AM – 6PM
Fri – Sat: 1PM – 6PM
Rochambeau Library:
708 Hope St
Mon: 1PM – 8:45PM
Tues – Wed: 9:30AM – 5:45PM
Thurs: 1PM – 8:45PM
Fri -Sat: 12PM – 5:45PM
Smith Hill Library:
31 Candace Street
Monday: 1PM – 6PM
Tuesday: 1PM – 6PM
Wednesday: 1PM – 8PM
Thursday: 9AM – 5:30PM
Friday: 1PM – 6PM
South Providence Library:
441 Prairie Ave
Mon: 1PM – 6PM
Tues: 1PM – 8PM
Wed: 9AM – 5:30PM
Thurs – Fri: 1PM – 6PM
Sat: 10AM – 6PM
Wanskuck Library:
233 Veazie St
Mon: 9AM – 5:30PM
Tues – Wed: 1PM – 6PM
Thurs: 1PM – 8PM
Fri: 1PM – 6PM
Washington Park Library:
1316 Broad St
9AM – 5:30PM
Tues – Wed: 1PM – 6PM
Thurs: 1PM – 8PM
Fri: 1PM – 6PM