[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Health Dept Coordinates Warming Centers

[Press Releases]

For Immediate Release
January 7, 2010
 
Geni Alexander, Public Information Officer
573.874.7632 or gaalexan at GoColumbiaMo.com 
 
Relief From the Cold Weather is Available
Warming Centers and Shelters Open for Those in Need
 
The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human
Services coordinates a network of warming and cooling centers in the
community. There are several locations in Columbia available to those
who need shelter from the extreme cold. 
 
Warming Centersare available to the general public during the
building’s normal business hours. The public is allowed access to
public areas, such as lobbies, restrooms, drinking fountains, etc.
Columbia’s warming centers include:
ARC                                                                    
                                                   1707 West Ash Street 
                   573.874.7700
Armory Sports and Community Center                                     
            701 East Ash Street                         573.874.7466
BooneCounty Government Center                                          
              801 East Walnut                               
573.886.4305
Columbia/Boone Cty Dept of Public Health & Human Services     1005 West
Worley                           573.874.7488
ColumbiaMall                                                           
                                       2300 Bernadette Drive            
      573.445.8458
ColumbiaPublic Library                                                 
                               100 West Broadway                       
573.443.3161
Interfaith Day Center/Loaves and Fishes                                
                              616 Park Avenue                           
  573.875.0826
Salvation Army                                                         
                                        1108 West Ash Street            
        573.442.3229
Salvation Army Harbor House                                            
                        602 N Ann                                       
   573.442.1984                      
 
Official Sheltersprovide sleeping accommodations. These locations may
or may not include meals. Columbia’s official shelters include: 
New Life Evangelistic Center-Men                                       
                   901 Wilkes Blvd                                
573.875.0603
Rainbow House - Children only                                          
                       1611 Towne Dr                                 
573.474.3558
SalvationArmy HarborHouse                                              
                      602 N Ann                                         
 573.442.1984
St. Francis House-Men                                                  
                               901 Rangeline                            
       573.875.4913
The Shelter-Victims of domestic violence                               
                                                                        
    573.875.1369
Welcome Home-Veterans                                                  
                        1206 Rangeline                                 
573.443.8001
 
Temporary Sheltersare set up for a certain period of time to meet the
emergency needs dependent upon weather conditions. Columbia’s temporary
shelter is located at:
MissouriUnited Methodist Church                                        
                 204 South 9th Street                       
573.443.3111
The church will be open from 8 pm – 8 am through Sunday morning
(January 10th).
 
In order to reduce cold weather threats, consider these simple
precautions:Dress warm and stay dry. Wear a hat, scarf and mittens. Stay
dry to prevent excess heat loss from the body.
Do not ignore shivering. Shivering is a sign that the body is losing
heat. If shivering persists, go indoors.Know the warning signs for
hypothermia, an abnormally low body temperature. Continued exposure to
cold temperatures can cause confusion, drowsiness, clumsiness and
exhaustion. 
Know the signs and symptoms for frostbite, or injury to the body caused
by freezing. Frostbite mostly affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin,
fingers and toes. Signs include tingling and numbness, white or grayish
yellow areas of skin, and skin that feels waxy.
Be safe while outdoors in winter elements. Avoid ice covered walkways,
be cautious while shoveling snow and clearing walkways.
Avoid travelling on ice-covered roads, overpasses and bridges.
Limit outdoor time for children and monitor for signs of frostbite or
hypothermia.
Check on family, friends and neighbors that could be at high risk of
cold related injury or illness including elderly, those that are
fighting an illness and people that do not have access to adequate
heat.
Provide proper shelter for pets. If pets or livestock must remain
outdoors, provide fresh water and food supplies on a regular basis.
If you become stranded in your vehicle, cover your body with extra
clothing and remain in your vehicle.

Additionally, the health department offers two utility assistance
programs for qualified Boone County Residents. H.E.L.P. (Heat Energy and
Light Program) provides one-time emergency assistance to low income
families with young children in the home. C.A.S.H. (Citizens Assisting
Seniors and Handicapped) also provides emergency assistance to
low-income senior citizens and persons with disabilities. 
 
For more information on Warming Centers or our utility assistance
programs, please visit the City of Columbia website at
www.gocolumbiamo.com
 
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