Cold Temperatures and Accumulating Snow Predicted

The City of St. Louis Department of Health is urging residents to prepare for an extended period of extreme cold temperatures and the first accumulating snow of the season. The National Weather Service in St. Louis is predicting extremely cold temperatures beginning on Saturday, January 9, 2016, through Wednesday, January 13, 2016. Accumulating snow of 1 to 4 inches is also being predicted for our region beginning Saturday into Sunday. 

Extreme low temperatures can be dangerous to people. Residents should avoid exposure to low temperatures for extended periods of time, especially at-risk populations, such as the elderly, those with functional needs, people with pre-existing health conditions, and small children.

The City of St. Louis Department of Health is advising residents to remember the following tips to staying safe in extremely cold temperatures:

• Dress in layers, both inside and outside
• Wear a hat and gloves, and try to have as little exposed skin as possible
• Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite
• Use caution when walking outdoors to avoid slipping on snow and ice
• Keep homes at a minimum of 68 degrees
• Avoid using alternative heating sources because of risk of fire and carbon monoxide
• Be sure to check on elderly neighbors, or anyone else you know who may be in need of assistance

For additional cold weather safety tips visit the City of St. Louis Department of Health Severe Weather website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/severe-weather.cfm

Area seniors and people with disabilities who can't afford to pay their winter heating bills may qualify for help through Heatupstlouis.org, a regional charity serving as a safety net providing utility assistance to those in need. To qualify log on to www.heatupstlouis.org or call the automated hotline at 314-241-7668.

For information on warming sites, you can contact the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ Information Referral line at 2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626 (TTY 1-866-385-6525).

City of St. Louis Animal Care and Control (ACC) also urges residents to consider the safety of pets during cold weather. Pets should not be exposed to extremely low temperatures for extended periods of time.

If kept outdoors, animals are required to have access to adequate shelter, food and water.

Pet owners who fail to provide proper shelter and care for companion animals in extreme temperatures may be charged with cruelty to animals and prosecuted.

If an animal appears to be in distress or is unresponsive, please contact ACC immediately at 314-657-1500. If calling after hours, please call 911.

For more information contact Harold Bailey at 314-657-1568 or at baileyh@stlouis-mo.gov.

Related Resources

• City of St. Louis Winter Operations in Effect for Weekend Weather
• Snow Route Interactive Map
• Warming Centers in St. Louis City
• Winter Storms & Extreme Cold @ Ready.gov