Warmhearted community offers help from the cold

Temperatures across the Midwest are bad enough that even going outside is unadvised, but for some, being out in the cold is unavoidable, which is why community businesses are providing a place to stay warm for those in need.

'Many area churches (like Immanuel Lutheran Church) are going to be open during regular business hours,” said Marissa Reisen, Washington County's Emergency Management Correspondent. 'We haven't identified people who might need a place to stay overnight, but have resources if it becomes required.”

First Resources Corporation will also be open to stay warm in during the day.

The main hurdle as of now, according to Reisen, would be finding people to staff a potential overnight shelter. Should a dire situation emerge though, the Cedar Rapids Red Cross has the ability to provide help.

In the Henry County area, the Fellowship Cup will remain open to serve those in need. They've been distributing cold weather gear at their Thursday food distributions for the past few weeks where they have provided over 100 winter coats to those in need. While they do not have temporary shelters, they are willing to pay for a night of lodging anyone who needs it.

Henry County Public Health Director Shelley Van Dorin warned it could only take four or five minutes to contract frostbite in these temperatures.

'If people absolutely have to go out they should wear thick layers and cover all extremities,” she said.

Signs of frostbite include numbness and skin getting a waxy tint, especially around a person's face, fingers and toes. Hypothermia will be accompanied by shivering, confusion and blurred speech.

Heating pads and massages are not recommended for countering these effects. It's safer to get indoors, drink hot water and allow your body heat to warm you.

'Cold weather is uncomfortable,” Van Dorin said. 'But this is downright dangerous.”

She advises people keep emergency kits in their car with water, blankets, warm clothes and sand or Kitty Litter in case they get stuck. Those out and about should also keep their cellphone charged, as it will generally be safer to call dispatch than trying to trudge through the cold.