WORCESTER, Mass. - A Wind Chill Advisory has been issued for all of Massachusetts through Saturday morning.
The City of Worcester’s Homeless Outreach Team and Quality of Life Team will again be providing outreach to homeless individuals and distribute warm clothing to anyone exposed to the elements.
The teams will also connect homeless people to local shelters which will be open throughout the day. Homeless individuals can seek shelter at the SMOC shelter on Queen Street, Hotel Grace on Vernon Street and Harbor, a women's only shelter.
The National Weather Service warns wind chills could reach below -25 degrees and could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Warming centers for all individuals will also be available at the following locations:
- Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- YWCA, 1 Salem Square: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here are some safety tips to follow this weekend and throughout the winter season courtesy of City of Worcester:
- Dress in layers and stay dry
- Avoid outdoor exposure for extended periods and cover exposed skin
- Watch for frostbite which can develop in under a minute in extreme cold
- Keep pets indoors and check paws for signs of injury/damage
- Stay hydrated, fuel your body and take breaks during outdoor activities, such as shoveling
- Protect pipes and shovel around vents to prevent carbon monoxide build-up.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heating your house with a space heater. Keep 3 feet of space around the space heater, and use a dedicated outlet
- Dry your clothes at a lower temperature when drying heavy loads to guard against accidental fires.
- Check on neighbors and elders often
- Keep an emergency supply kit in your car