Cold Weather Safety Tips and Winter Homeless Services
Jan 28, 2019
CINCINNATI – The National Weather Service has issued Wind Chill Watch in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening for the Greater Cincinnati region. With temperatures threatening to drop well below freezing, the City of Cincinnati is preparing to serve vulnerable populations.
Know the Signs of Hypothermia
The signs and symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, slurred speech, trouble with coordination, slowed response time, sleepiness, and shivering. Frostbitten areas of the body may look dusky or dark, even waxy, blanched, and grayish or whitish areas may feel numb or prickly to the person. These conditions require quick medical evaluation and attention.
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, people experiencing homelessness have a much higher risk than the general population of developing exposure-related conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite.
Warming Centers and Community Outreach
The Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) will operate all 22 of its Community Centers as warming centers. These centers will provide residents in need with a safe place to avoid the extreme cold and rest during regular business hours.
To protect those considered most vulnerable, the Cincinnati Police Department is working with local agencies to reach residents who normally live outdoors and encouraging them to utilize available services such as local overnight shelters.
Concerned residents may contact Cincinnati Police Non-Emergency line at 513-765-1212 to report individuals they believe may need support services. Cincinnati Police will follow up on tips and offer to transport persons in need to area shelters. If you see someone unconscious outdoors or struggling from an apparent medical issue, please contact 911.
Available Resources
During these dangerously low temperatures, residents are advised to stay indoors as much as possible. Persons without housing are encouraged to seek immediate shelter. Individuals in need may also contact the Central Access Point (CAP) hotline at 513.381.SAFE (7233) or Text the CAP Line at 513.970.1515 for information on local services and shelters.
In addition to these support services, the Street Reach mobile offers information and resources about services available in the community. The app uses GPS technology to accurately pinpoint nearby service locations. It also allows anyone experiencing homelessness to reach out to service agencies for help. Tips through Street Reach (available through the Strategies to End Homelessness website) and any messages left on the CAP hotline are forwarded to local outreach teams. Outreach teams in Cincinnati work to locate and identify those in need, offer support services and encourage them to seek available shelter space.