Residents warned to stay safe as chill settles over area

Winter weather can be hazardous and Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers is asking everyone to be prepared.

There are three warming centers in Poplar Bluff, Myers said. The Butler County Health Center, 1619 N. Main St., serves as a warming center during its hours of operations, which are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Other sites to warm up are the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, 318 N. Main St., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and the Dr. Gus T. Ridgel Branch on Highway PP is open from 1-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

At this time, there are no overnight warming centers, Myers said.

Temperatures are expected to be below freezing through next week, with single-digit wind chills predicted by the National Weather Service. Sleet and freezing rain are also expected through Thursday as part of a Winter Storm Watch.

Missourians can make a report of senior citizens or adults with disabilities who require assistance due to cold temperatures, Myers said. Reports can be made any time online at https://health.mo.gov/abuse or the state’s toll-free abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-392-0210. The hotline operates from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. seven days a week.

Myers recommends using the buddy system and “monitor the condition of co-workers and have someone do the same for you. The buddy system can be used to inspect for signs of frostbite. Just before freezing, the skin, especially on the face, becomes bright red. Then small patches of white appear, as freezing actually occurs. Prevent chapped skin by frequent application of protective lotions.”

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services advises residents to wear head coverings, protect their ears and face, wear a scarf and to wear waterproof boots.

Officials also suggest travelers carry extra clothes, such as socks, gloves, hats and jackets.

In information from DHS, he said, several layers of clothing are better than a single heavy layer. The space between the layers works as insulation to help keep individuals warmer.

Myers also provided information about hypothermia, which is an abnormally low body temperature and is considered more dangerous than frostbite. It is caused by the general cooling of the body and can quickly become life threatening, he said. If the body temperature drops below 86°F, death can occur.

Most at risk for hypothermia are people who work outside, people in poor physical condition, the elderly, infants and people with health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

Hypothermia warning signs include uncontrollable shivering. In severe cases of hypothermia, shivering stops and there is numbness, a glassy stare, apathy, weakness, impaired judgment, drowsiness, slow or slurred speech, exhaustion and loss of consciousness.

Some drugs can affect the way the body reacts to the cold, as does caffeine and alcohol.

Those working outdoors are advised to take frequent breaks, Myers said, and schedule activities during the warmest parts of the day if possible. Extreme cold puts extra strain on the heart, no matter an individual’s age or physical condition.