DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) – Health officials in De Pere are extending an impromptu warming site so no one has to be left outside in dangerously cold weather.
The warming site at the De Pere Community Center is being put on by the city health department and emergency management.
Officials say anyone is welcomed, no matter what brings you in.
“Whether they’re homeless or they’re just having issues with their heating and just need somewhere warm and safe to go,” explains Sara Lornson, public health nurse with the city of De Pere.
She says they had plenty of room available at the site on Wednesday and decided to extend services to Thursday with temperatures forecasted to stay well below zero.
“So it will be open at our community center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well,” she says. “[We’re] Still going to have our health department staff at the community center.”
Lornson and other officials say that the message is simple — stay out of the cold.
“Even being outside for a couple of minutes there are risks of hypothermia, which is lowering of body temperature, which can be extremely dangerous” she explains. “And then there’s frostbite.”
City officials initially created the warming site to prevent injuries from exposure to the outdoor elements.
Lornson says with this extreme weather, members of the community have to look out for one another.
“If you have a friend or family member, somebody that you are concerned about, absolutely let them know that there is help available,” she says.
Because this weather isn’t just cold, it’s dangerous.
“Go check on them or give them a call,” says Lornson. “Get in contact with them to make sure that they are safe.”
Individuals can contact the De Pere Health Department if they have questions regarding the warming site beforehand.
