[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Updated List of Warming Centers

[Press Releases]

For Immediate Release
January 31, 2011
 
Geni Alexander, Public Information Officer
573.874.7632 or 573.819.2813 or gaalexan at GoColumbiaMo.com 
 
REMINDER – 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. Please note that due to the
extreme conditions in the forecast, some locations may be unable to open
during normal business hours.
 
Warming Centers are 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 (Activity and Recreation Center)                                   
                  1707 West Ash Street                     573.874.7700
Armory Sports and Community Center                                     
            701 East Ash Street                         573.874.7466
Boone County Government Center                                         
               801 East Walnut                               
573.886.4305
Columbia/Boone Cty Dept of Public Health & Human Services     1005 West
Worley                           573.874.7488
Columbia Public Library                                                
                                100 West Broadway                       
573.443.3161
Salvation Army                                                         
                                        1108 West Ash Street            
        573.442.3229
Salvation Army Harbor House                                            
                        602 North Ann                                  
573.442.1984      
St. Francis House                                                      
                                       901 Rangeline                    
               573.875.4913
 
Official Shelters provide 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
Salvation Army Harbor House                                            
                        602 North Ann                                  
573.442.1984
St. Francis House- men                                                 
                                901 Rangeline                           
        573.875.4913
True North- victims of domestic violence                               
                                                                        
     573.875.1369
Welcome Home- veterans                                                 
                         1206 Rangeline                                 
573.443.8001
 
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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