Cold war

  Communities offer warming centers during extreme weather

    The excessively cold conditions forecast for the entire area during the next week have prompted several communities to open warming centers for those who may not have adequate heat in their homes.
    In general, when the wind chill is 32° and above, it’s safe to be outside health officials advise. In temperatures 13° to 31°, indoor breaks should happen every 20-30 minutes. For wind chills of 13° and below which are predicted, activities should be moved indoors and outside of the cold as frostbite can set in very quickly. Hypothermia, medical experts advise, is another danger which can set in very quickly in severe cold temperatures

    Hypothermia occurs when an individual’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Hypothermia can lead to health problems like heart attacks, kidney problems, liver damage, or death. Warning signs include: shivering; exhaustion; confusion; memory loss and fumbling hands.
    Infants and older adults are especially at risk for hypothermia because they have a harder time regulating their body temperature. Medical conditions in older adults can also increase risks. Even a small drop in the surrounding temperature or a short time spent outside in the cold can cause a large drop in body temperature in infants and older adults. According to the National Institute on Aging, living in a poorly heated home can also cause hypothermia.
    In the case of hypothermia medical care should be sought as soon as possible and the individual should be taken into a warm room and any wet clothing removed. Warm, non-alcoholic drinks are advised and warming the core of the body (chest, neck, head and groin) using an electric blanket is recommended.
    Frostbite can happen when air temperatures fall below 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius). In wind chills of -16.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-27 degrees Celsius), frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 30 minutes. Although frostbite can happen anywhere on the body, it typically affects exposed areas like the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. During the early stages, individuals will likely feel pins and needles in the affected areas, followed by numbness. These areas will eventually turn white and start to appear waxy, hard, and cold to the touch.
    Frostbite victims should seek immediate medical care and get into a warm car or room; try not to walk on frostbitten feet or toes; put the frostbitten area in warm (not hot) water; use body heat, such as an armpit, to warm the frostbitten area; cover the area with a clean cloth—if fingers or toes are frostbitten, wrap each one individually; do not rub the frostbitten area and avoid touching hot surfaces with the frostbitten area
    To prevent hypothermia and frostbite experts advise individuals to dress in layers and wear warm clothing and waterproof shoes to protect hands, feet, nec and face. Avoid alcoholic drinks as they increase the loss of body heat and keep moving to stay warm.
    Pets are subject to both frostbite and hypothermia so dogs should not be outside for more than 15 to 30 minutes. It’s crucial to keep dogs warm in such severe temperatures, experts advise. The most commonly affected areas of frostbite on dogs include dog paws and paw pads, ears, and noses.
    Warming centers are currently available in:


CANTON TOWNSHIP
Summit on the Park
46000 Summit Parkway
Canton, MI 48188
(734) 394-5460 

www.summitonthepark.org
Hours: 

Monday through Friday 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Canton Public Library
1200 S. Canton Center Road,
Canton, MI 48188
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.—6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.—6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon—6 p.m.

CITY of INKSTER
Booker Dozier Recreation Center
2025 Middlebelt Road
Inkster, MI
Open 24 hours.

SUMPTER TOWNSHIP
Sumpter Township Community Center
23501 Sumpter Road
Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open after-hours when needed

WAYNE
(734) 721-7400
Hype Recreation Center
4635 Howe Road,
Wayne, MI 48184
Monday-Friday: 6 a.m.—11p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.—10 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.—8 p.m.

WESTLAND
Westland City Hall
36300 Warren Road,
Westland, MI 48185
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. –5 p.m.
(734) 467-3201
Westland Fire Station 1
35701 Central City Parkway,
Westland, MI 48185
Monday-Sunday: 8 a.m. –8 p.m.
Westland Fire Station 3
28801 Annapolis Road,
Westland, MI 48185
Monday-Sunday: 8 a.m.—8 p.m.
Westland Police Department
36701 Ford Road,
Westland, MI 48185
24 Hours (Lobby Area)
Jefferson Barns Community
Vitality Center
32150 Dorsey Road,
Westland, MI 48186
Monday-Wednesday: 9 a.m.—7 p.m.
Thursday-Friday: 9 a.m.—5 p.m.