Cold Safety Tips: Staying Warm and Safe During Winter
Winter can be a challenging season for everyone, but for those experiencing homelessness, it is life-threatening. As temperatures drop, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and look out for each other. Here are some practical tips to help you and others stay safe this winter.
1. Dress for the Weather
Dressing appropriately for the cold is crucial. Opt for multiple layers, including thermals or wool clothing, and cover your extremities with hats, gloves, and thick socks. Waterproof boots and outer layers will help keep you dry and warm.
2. Know the Signs of Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a dangerous condition when a person's body temperature drops before 95 degrees F. It can set in quickly in freezing temperatures. Look for symptoms like shivering, confusion, drowsiness, or slurred speech. If you or someone else shows these signs, seek immediate medical attention.
3. Warming Centers in Philadelphia
When Code Blue is declared in Philadelphia, warming centers are opened to provide a safe place to escape the cold. In Philadelphia this January 2025, you can find warming centers at:
Sites Operating 24 Hours Daily
Inn of Amazing Mercy @ 115 East Huntingdon St, 19125
Hub of Hope @ 1400 Arch St, 19102
220 North Broad St, 19102
Sites Operating 9am - 9pm
South Philadelphia Library @ 1700 S Broad St, 19145
Walnut Street West Library @ 201 South 40th St, 19104
Widener Library @ 2908 W Lehigh Ave, 19132
Northeast Regional Library @ 2228 Cottman Ave, 19149
Nicetown-Tioga Library @ 3720 N Broad St, 19140
Logan Library @ 1333 Wagner Ave, 19141
Bustleton Library @ 10199 Bustleton Ave, 19139
Blackwell Regional Library @ 125 South 52nd St, 19139
Haddington Library @ 446 N 65th St, 19151
Sites Operating 9pm - 9am
Scanlon Recreation Center @ 1099 E Venango St, 19154
DiSilvestro Playground @ 1701 S 15th St, 19145
Wright Recreation Center @ 3320 Haverford Ave, 19104
MLK Recreation Center @ 2101 Cecil B Moore Ave, 19121
Russo Recreation Center @ 7301 Torresdale Ave, 19136
Lonnie Young Recreation Center @ 1100 Chelten Ave, 19138
FInley Recreation Center @ 7701 Mansfield Ave, 19150
Pelbano Recreation Center @ 8101 Bustleton Ave, 19152
Please Note: Warming center locations and hours are subject to change. Visit Philadelphia's online map for the most up-to-date information.
4. Keep Essential Supplies Handy
Consider carrying extra gloves, new socks, hand warmers, and/or blankets to give to someone who might need them. You could also put together care packages with items like socks, snacks, and water to hand out.
5. Support Our Emergency Pantry
One of the best ways to help this winter is by supporting our emergency pantry that supplies essentials to our participants in need of them. You can make a difference by donating:
• Winter clothing, like hats, gloves, scarves, and hand warmers
• Warm clothing like socks, sweatshirts, sweatpants
• Nonperishable food and hygiene supplies
Visit pathwaystohousingpa.org/pantry to learn more about what we accept and how to donate.
6. Report Unsafe Conditions
If you or someone you know is in danger due to the cold, contact your local outreach team to help get connected to shelter/serviced. If you see someone who may be in danger due to the cold, consider asking them before calling for help. In Philadelphia, you can call the Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984.
