(Credit: LevittownNow)
The extreme cold weather is going to continue in Montgomery County for the next two days.
The National Weather Service is predicting a low Tuesday night between 3 and 5 degrees in the county, while AccuWeather says it could get down to -1 degree.
Wind chills could make it feel even more frigid.
For Wednesday, AccuWeather forecasts a high of 20 degrees and a low of 4. For Thursday, the forecast high will almost reach freezing at 31 degrees. The low Thursday night will creep down into the double digits to 11.
Several organizations have offered tips on how to deal with the cold over the next few days.
Knowing the signs of illness
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency urges residents to make outdoor trips brief, and to cover ears, head, mouth and face. Shivering should not be ignored, since it is the body’s way of saying it is losing heat and it is time to go back inside, according to a news release.
Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss and slurred speech in adults, and bright red, cold skin, and low energy for babies, the release states.
Frostbite can cause a loss of feeling and color in affected areas and can cause white or grayish-yellow areas of the skin, according to PEMA.
The Red Cross said people should act fast and get out of the cold immediately if any of those signs are seen.
How to stay warm
The Red Cross and PEMA encouraged residents to stay indoors. Anyone going outside should wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens and water-resistant boots, according to the Red Cross. People should cover their face with a scarf, too.
While inside, residents should be careful with space heaters and fireplaces and should keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet from the heat, according to the Red Cross.
Space heaters should be used sparingly and should not be plugged into extension cords or power strips, PPL said.
People should not use supplemental heating sources, such as a generator, stove, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, basement, garage or near a window, PEMA said. Those could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. PPL encouraged residents to make sure their carbon monoxide detectors are working.
To save energy and money, PPL recommends covering drafty windows or placing a rolled-up towel or blanket against the bottom of exterior doors. PPL said people should bundle up with extra blankets and clothes as well.
Warming station/homeless shelter resources
If you or someone you know needs help with temporary shelter from the cold weather or a longer-term housing issue, call the Your Way Home Call Center at 610-278-3522 or visit yourwayhome.org. If you see someone experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
For 24/7 information about crisis resources for housing, utilities, food resources, and more, call 211.Check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently to ensure that their homes are adequately heated.
Montco warming stations
(Found on https://www.pa211.org/get-help/housing-shelter/extreme-cold-warming-centers/)
Pottstown Beacon of Hope
Pottstown intake location – winter shelter for single adults.
Provides an overnight shelter and warming center for single adults in Pottstown from Nov. 1 to April 30. Operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each morning at 7:30am, clients must accept transportation to Pottstown Recovery Learning Center (PRLC), 414 East High Street, Pottstown.316 East High St., Pottstown, PA 19464
Eligibility: Single adult (age 18+) residents of Pottstown experiencing homelessness.
Hours: Intake Hours: Nightly, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., November 1 to April 30, at 316 East High St., Pottstown
Shelter hours: Nightly, 7 p.m. to 8 a.m., November 1 to April 30
Contact: 424-625-1818
TNiarhos@PottstownBeaconOfHope.org
https://pottstownbeaconofhope.org/
Haws Avenue United Methodist Church
Norristown – Code Blue Shelter
Provides 40 beds for adult men and women during Code Blue Declarations at 800 West Marshall St. Norristown, PA 19401
Eligibility: Men and women age 18+; small pets and service animals permitted
Hours: Only operational during Code Blue Declarations
Shelter available 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Contact: (610) 275-1283
hawsavenueumc@verizon.net
https://www.hawsavechurch.org/visit
Lansdale Public Library
Lansdale – Library Services
Provides the full range of library services including browsing and circulating collections of materials such as books, magazines, and other media for all ages; library reference and research assistance; access to Internet-connected computers, printers, other electronic devices, and photocopiers; and spaces for meetings and quiet study. Allows borrowing of items for library cardholders. Sponsors and hosts an array of educational, instructional, and cultural programming for all ages.
Warming center is available for individuals and families at 301 Vine St., Lansdale, PA 19446.
Eligibility: Residents of Lansdale Borough
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Contact: 215-855-3228
director@lansdalelibrary.org
https://lansdalelibrary.org/
Norristown Hospitality Center
St. John’s Episcopal Church – Code Blue Shelter
Offers 25 beds to men and women who require shelter from extreme cold in the Norristown area at 23 East Airy St., Norristown, PA 19401.
Eligibility: For adult men and women residing in Norristown.
Service animals, pets, and children are not permitted.
Hours: Operates Monday through Friday, 8:00pm to 6:30am
Contact: director@hospitalitycenter.org
https://hospitalitycenter.org/
North Wales Library
North Wales – Library Services
Provides the full range of library services including browsing and circulating collections of materials such as books, magazines, and other media for all ages; library reference and research assistance; access to Internet-connected computers, printers, other electronic devices, and photocopiers; and spaces for meetings and quiet study. Allows borrowing of items for library cardholders. Sponsors and hosts an array of educational, instructional, and cultural programming for all ages.
Warming center is available for individuals and families at 233 South Swartley St., North Wales, PA 19454
Eligibility: Serves residents in Montgomery County.
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: (215) 699-5410
librarian@northwaleslibrary.org
https://www.northwaleslibrary.org/
Wissahickon Valley Public Library
Blue Bell – Library Services
Offers a collection of books, movies, magazines, eResources, and more. Also provides Internet access.
Warming center is available for individuals and families at 650 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422
Eligibility: Residents of Montgomery County
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, September through May, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: 215-643-1320
https://wvpl.org/
Upper Dublin Public Library
Cooling and Warming Center
Serves as a warming center during Code Blue declarations and cooling center during Code Red declarations. No overnight stays permitted; service operates during regular library hours.520 Virginia Drive, Fort Washington, PA 19034
Eligibility: No eligibility requirements
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
During inclement weather, the library may close and cannot serve the purpose of this service.
Contact: 215-628-8744
upperdublinlibrary@mclinc.org
https://upperdublinlibrary.org/
Jenkintown Library
Jenkintown – Library Services
Provides the full range of library services including browsing and circulating collections of materials such as books, magazines, and other media for all ages; library reference and research assistance; access to Internet-connected computers, printers, other electronic devices, and photocopiers; and spaces for meetings and quiet study. Allows borrowing of items for library cardholders. Sponsors and hosts an array of educational, instructional, and cultural programming for all ages.
Warming center is available for individuals and families at 460 Old York Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046
Eligibility: Serves residents of Jenkintown Borough and anyone with an ACCESS PA library card.
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: 215-884-0593
jenkstaff@mclinc.org
https://www.jenkintownlibrary.org/
Christopher Dornblaser of The Morning Call contributed to this story.
