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STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — With dangerously cold wind chills expected for the next two days, officials in Portage County are opening several warming shelters for residents in need:
- Portage County Health and Human Services at 817 Whiting Avenue, Stevens Point, (715) 345-5350; Hours: 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (Monday, Thursday), 8:00 AM-6:00 PM (Tuesday), 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (Wednesday), and 8:00 AM-3:00 PM (Friday).
- Portage County Public Library at 1001 Main Street, Stevens Point, (715) 346-1544; Hours: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM (Monday through Friday). There are capacity and time limits.
- Salvation Army at 1600 Briggs Street, Stevens Point, (715) 341-2437; Hours: 9:00 AM-9:00 PM (each day).
- The lobby area will be open during the day with places to sit and coffee available. At night, individuals can head over to the Warming Center to sleep. After 9 PM contact law enforcement for assistance to the warming shelter.
- The Warming Center at Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church 1300 Main Street, Stevens Point, (715) 252-7860 or smileforchristssake@yahoo.com
- Lettie Jensen Community Center at 487 North Main Street, Amherst, (715) 824-5202; Hours: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM (Monday through Thursday). Not currently open on Friday but will be if needed. Call ahead if there is a need for extended hours. Limiting the number of people in the facility to 50.
- Rosholt Public Library at 137 North Main Street, Rosholt, (715) 677-4510; Hours: 2:00 PM-6:00 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday), 10:00 AM-6:00 PM (Wednesday). There are capacity and time limits.
- Village of Almond Municipal Center at 122 Main Street, Almond, (715) 366-8171; Hours: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM (Monday through Wednesday). Call ahead if there is a need for extended hours.
- Village of Plover Municipal Center at 2400 Post Road, Plover, (715) 345-5252; Hours: 7:30 AM-4:30 PM (Monday through Friday).
Residents are encouraged to dress in layers and limit the amount of time they spend outdoors. Additionally, pack for the weather with a winter and cold weather survival kit for your car and home. Those should include batteries, food and water, a phone charger, and blankets. Also pack jumper cables, a shovel, and sand in your car.
Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of hypothermia. Warning signs include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, and slurred speech, and symptoms can look similar to intoxication. Call 911 if someone is exposed to cold temperatures and you see these symptoms.
Also, limit your pet’s exposure to the cold and check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly.
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