Extreme Cold & Warming Centers
Galesburg, IL (January 17, 2025) The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting bitter cold for our region beginning Sunday and lasting through Tuesday, with wind chills as low as five to 20 degrees below zero.
The following locations in Galesburg and Knox County will be available as warming centers:
- Knox County Housing Authority Overnight Shelter - 525/527 Iowa Ct, Galesburg (open daily from 6:00 PM - 7:00 AM)
- Public Safety Building Lobby - 150 S Broad St, Galesburg (open 24 hours, daily)
- YMCA Lobby - 1324 W Carl Sandburg Drive, Galesburg (available as a warming center on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 20th and 21st from 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM)
- Oneida Fire Station - 210 N Sage St., Oneida (available 6:00 PM Sunday night until Wednesday morning at 8:00 AM)
- Wataga Fire Station - 310 W Willard St, Wataga (available 6:00 PM Sunday night until Wednesday morning at 8:00 AM)
Cold Weather Safety Information
The combination of wind and low temperatures in winter can be deadly. The wind chill index helps determine when dangerous conditions develop that could lead to frostbite or hypothermia. It takes into account heat loss from the human body to its surroundings during cold and windy weather. Wind chill values near minus 25 degrees indicate that frostbite is possible within 15 minutes.
Frostbite is the freezing of skin and the body tissue just beneath it. It first affects exposed body tissue where blood circulation may be limited such as your fingers, toes, nose, and ears. To minimize frostbite, make sure all body parts are well covered. When frostbite starts, feeling is lost in the affected area and the frozen tissue will take on a white or pale appearance. If you suspect you are experiencing frostbite, hold the frostbitten area closely against warm skin to return blood flow and warmth to the affected area.
Hypothermia is a dangerously low body temperature and is the most common winter weather killer. When you hear of a hiker, climber, hunter, or stranded traveler perishing from cold weather exposure, hypothermia is the cause. Most people are surprised to learn that hypothermia deaths can occur with temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees. If you or your clothing are wet, hypothermia becomes even more of a threat. Warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Seek medical attention immediately for victims suspected of suffering from hypothermia. If no help is available, the victim should be warmed slowly with warm liquids along with dry clothing and blankets.
The National Weather Service issues wind chill advisories/warnings when a deadly combination of wind and cold air is forecast. To learn more about wind chill, visit the National Weather Service website https://www.weather.gov/ama/windchill.
When cold weather threatens, follow these tips for survival:
- Stay dry - Wet clothing results in much faster heat loss from your body. Wear waterproof insulated boots.
- Stay covered - Wear mittens or gloves and a hat. At least half of your body heat is lost if your head is not covered.
- Dress in layers - Trapped air between loose-fitting clothing helps to insulate.
- Stay informed - Have a portable NOAA weather radio nearby to keep you up-to-date with the latest forecasts and warnings. Use wind chill temperatures to guide you in dressing properly for the outdoors. On very cold days, minimize your exposure to the outdoors if possible.
Tips for Extreme Cold Weather:
- Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
- Stay home! If you MUST go out, keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle
- Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc.
- Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
- Check on the elderly.
- Bring pets inside.
How Should I Dress?
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, and a hat.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Try to stay dry and out of the wind.