The American Red Cross is offering up tips for staying warm in the dangerously cold conditions.
One of the best things to do is to stay indoors, as exposure could cause hypothermia and frostbite in short order. If your home gets too cold, you can go to a warming center, the library or a shopping center. If you use a space heater or fireplace, keep anything that could catch fire three feet away from it. Portable heaters should be turned off when leaving a room or going to sleep. If the power goes out, use battery powered lights and flashlights instead of candles. Also, do not use an oven to heat your home as it could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you must go outside, wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth. Check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm, particularly if they are older or live alone.
You can learn more at www.redcross.org/winter
Speaking of warming shelters, the Indiana Free Library and the Chevy Chase Community Center will be open during normal hours today for warming centers, and Coal Run/McIntyre, Marion Center and Pine Township Fire halls are offering space for warming shelters overnight. They ask you get a hold of them in advance if you need to stay there.
