Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Clara Decerbo are warning residents to take precautions as low temperatures and low and chills are forecasted for Monday evening through Wednesday. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold weather can cause hypothermia and frostbite. PEMA is urging residents to remember to check on family, the elderly, or others who may need assistance to make sure they are safe.
PEMA has provided the following cold weather tips:
- Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles; keep such devices away from all flammable materials
- Install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (at least one of each per floor in your home)
- Stay indoors and use safe heating sources
- Indoors, do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills, that produce carbon monoxide
- Outdoors, stay dry and in wind protected areas
- Wear a hat or hood to prevent heat from escaping the body and several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing, covering all exposed skin during exposure
- Bring household pets inside, if possible
- Wear mittens, a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs
- Watch for signs of frostbite – Skin appears white and waxy, numbness or no feeling in that area and/or possible blisters
- Watch for signs of hypothermia – Shivering and numbness, confusion or dizziness, stumbling and weakness, slow or slurred speech and shock
Temperatures will begin to drop early Monday evening and the wind chill will remain below freezing into Wednesday. In anticipation of colder weather, Providence Emergency Management Agency has identified the below Warming Centers located in Providence. Please note that hours may be subject to change.
To report a non-emergency issue, connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1, visiting www.PVD311.com or by downloading the PVD311 mobile app for 24/7 access. To receive up-to-the-minute alerts and updates, residents are encouraged to register for the CodeRED emergency notification system.
If you or someone you know is in need of overnight shelter from the cold, call the United Way at 2-1-1 and they will direct you to a nearby facility. At this time, those seeking EMERGENCY shelter should head to Crossroads RI.
Providence Warming Centers
All warming centers will be following COVID-19 symptom screening and masking will be required. A full list of warming centers, hours of operation and contact information can also be found online at the Providence Warming Centers website.
Crossroads RI: 160 Broad Street, 401-521-2255
- Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Library Branches
Fox Point Library: 90 Ives Street, 401-331-0390
- Mon: 10:00 am-1:00 pm, 2:00 pm-5:30 pm
- Tues: 1:00 pm-5:30 pm , 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
- Wed-Thurs: 10:00 am-1:00 pm, 2:00 pm-5:30 pm
Knight Memorial Library: 275 Elmwood Avenue, 401-467-2625
- Mon: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Tues: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wed: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Mt. Pleasant Library: 315 Academy Avenue, 401-272-0106
- Mon-Tues: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wed-Thurs: 10:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Olneyville Library: 1 Olneyville Square, 401-421-4084
- Mon – Tues: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Wed: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Rochambeau Library: 708 Hope Street, 401-272-3780
- Mon – Tues: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wed: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Smith Hill Library: 31 Candace Street, 401-272-4140
- Mon – Tues: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Wed: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
South Providence Library: 441 Prairie Avenue, 401-467-2619
- Mon: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Tues: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wed – Thurs: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Wanskuck Library: 233 Veazie Street, 401-274-4145
- Mon – Wed: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
- Tues: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Washington Park Library: 1316 Broad Street, 401-781-3136
- Mon – Wed: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
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