City Announces Emergency Measures to Address Life-Threatening Weather Conditions

 

Kara Bowlin                                                                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

314-622-3479                                                                                                                          January 5, 2009

Bowlink@stlouiscity.com

 

City Announces Emergency Measures to Address

Life-Threatening Weather Conditions

 

St. Louis – Mayor Francis G. Slay today announced the City of St.   Louis’ preparations for the forecasted frigid weather conditions.

 

“We are going to face some of the coldest weather we have experienced in recent memory,” said Mayor Slay. “We want to take every step to protect the residents of our City, and we encourage our residents to check to make sure that our pets and our elderly friends and neighbors are keeping warm.”

 

Among the steps being taken:

 

Emergency Shelter – As many as xx emergency shelter beds for homeless people are being provided by expanding capacity at existing facilities. Additionally, the Homeless Hotline operated by the Housing Resource Center (HRC) will extend its hours of operation until 10:00 pm. Anyone needing shelter should call the Hotline at 314-802-5444. Outreach teams will be mobilized in the City to identify anyone who needs help.

 

Warming Centers – The City has opened 44 warming sites throughout the City. Information on the closest center can be obtained by calling 211 from a landline or call the United   Way of Greater St. Louis at  1-800-427-4626.

 

Recorded Message – Phone calls will be made to over 3,000 people who are on the City’s special needs registry. The message is designed for people who are considered more vulnerable and at higher risk during cold weather. The message shares information on where to seek assistance and resources to help them stay warm and out of harm’s way.

 

The Department of Health recommends the following tips to beat the cold:

• Wear      several layers of loose clothing to provide the best insulation.
• Wear a      hat to keep your entire body temperature warmer.
• Make      sure to keep ears, face, hands, and feet covered.
• Limit      the amount of time outside on extremely cold days.
• Check      on relatives, friends, or neighbors who you might consider to be at a      greater risk from the cold.

 

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