SPOKANE, Wash. – Dangerously cold temperatures, including highs in the single digits and lows below zero, are set to arrive in the Inland Northwest by Thursday night. Taking note of how you, your loved ones and pets can stay safe is crucial as we head into these frigid days.
“When we have temperatures like they’re forecasted to be for our area, so low and so cold, we’re concerned about everybody,” Spokane Regional Health District Director of Public Information Kelli Hawkins said.
In freezing times, people of all demographics are at risk of becoming sick from hypothermia and frostbite due to the insanely cold temperatures. Those most at risk include people who are homeless, people who are stranded outside for whatever reason, and people who live in homes that do not have adequate insulation or heating.
If you must go outside, it’s crucial to wear several layers of loose-fitting and light-weight clothing, rather than just one layer of heavy clothing. Another great tip is to wear mittens instead of gloves, so your fingers can be together and conserve warmth. Scarves and hats are a great idea too.
If you find yourself exposed to temperatures as cold as the forecast shows, hypothermia will become a big concern; knowing the signs can truly save a life.
“It can set in very quickly, especially at the temperatures we’re going to be experiencing, withing 15 minutes even,” Hawkins said.
If hypothermia does set in, a person’s speech will become slurred, they’ll be disoriented, stumbling, drowsy, and shivering uncontrollably. Body temperatures will also dip to 95 degrees or less.
“Over 2021 and 2022, we saw eight deaths [in Spokane County] each of hypothermia, so it can happen,” Hawkins said. “And in a couple of those instances people were in their homes, so even when you have a home, making sure that it’s well heated or well insulated is still very important.”
Frost bite is also a concern. Signs you should be aware of include white or grayish skin, and skin that feels unusually firm, waxy, or numb.
“That can lead to other injuries if it gets extreme enough,” Hawkins said.
If you or someone you know needs a warm place to stay the City of Spokane has opened Spokane Public Library locations.
They are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The Salvation Army, which operates TRAC, has vans that can meet people and connect them to local shelters. Call 509.280.6860 or 509.280.6894 for a ride.
Also, the Spokane Transit Authority will offer free rides to and from warming centers when the temperature drops to 32 degrees.
