Need The Heat? Portsmouth Free Library Also To Open

PORTSMOUTH, RI— The forecast calls for high temperatures in the teens and 20s starting tomorrow. The prediction also says the cold is supposed to last into the weekend. That means the temperatures will be too cold for people and pets to stay outside for long without risking hypothermia and frostbite. Children, elderly and people with circulatory problems are most at risk.

The state emergency management is letting people know they can go to warming centers during the day. In Portsmouth, the senior center serves as the shelter. But the library has also offered to operate as a warming center.

Portsmouth Multi-Purpose Senior Center: 110 Bristol Ferry Rd

• Mon - Fri: 9 AM – 4 PM

Portsmouth Free Public Library: 2658 E Main Rd

• Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm
• Friday-Saturday 9am-5pm
• Sunday 1pm-5pm

For a list of shelters in local communities, click here. If you see a person or a pet in danger, call the local police. Most are not open overnight, so anyone without shelter is urged to call the local police for help.

According to the state, it's important to know the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite is the skin’s reaction to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Frostbite can cause permanent damage or lead to amputation. Symptoms: White or grayish‐yellow skin; skin feels unusually firm or waxy; numbness. Treatment: If there are no signs of hypothermia and immediate medical attention is not available:

1. Go to a warm room as soon as possible.

2. Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes—this increases the damage.

3. Soak the affected area in warm (not hot) water. The temperature of the water should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body.

4. Warm the affected are using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.

5. Do not rub or massage the frostbitten area. This can cause more damage.

6. Do not use heading pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator to warm frostbitten areas. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

7. Never give someone with hypothermia caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Caffeine and alcohol can make cold‐related illness happen faster.

Hypothermia happens when the body’s temperature is lower than 90 degrees.
Symptoms: Uncontrollable shivering; slow speech; memory lapses; frequent stumbling; drowsiness or exhaustion.

Treatment:

1. Seek immediate medical help.

2. Warm the person’s body slowly. Warm the person’s trunk (chest, shoulders, torso) first.

3. Arms and legs should be warmed last. When you try to warm limbs, cold blood can be forced to the heat and cause heart failure.

4. Put the person in dry clothing and wrap them in a blanket.

5. Never give someone with hypothermia caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Caffeine and alcohol can make cold‐related illness happen faster.

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