Watch for Dangerous Wind Chill Levels, Warm Up at IU Health Starke Hospital

 
 
Hold onto your blankets! The temperature will hover below zero in the Kankakee Valley for the next couple of days.

Strong winds will create dangerous wind chills during this cold snap. Local Emergency Management Agency Directors urge you to to limit your exposure to the elements by staying indoors. If you must go outside, make it as brief as possible. You should wear several layers of loose-fitting clothings and cover any exposed skin with a hat, scarf and gloves.

Most pets cannot tolerate more than 20 minutes outside when the temperature drops below zero.

IU Health Starke Hospital will be serving as a warming station through Friday, Jan. 10. Check in at the front desk upon arrival. You may keep warm in the main lobby, the surgery waiting area and the chapel. Food and drinks will be available for purchase during normal cafeteria hours. You are asked to bring your own personal care supplies or medications as needed as they will not be provided by hospital staff members.

If you need more information, call hospital security at (574) 772-1234.

Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Some warning signs of hypothermia include bright red, cold skin; shivering and exhaustion; confusion; memory loss; slurred speech and drowsiness. You may have the onset of frostbite if you have a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy or numbness. If you experience any of these symptoms after you’ve been out in the cold, call a medical professional immediately.