Polk County extreme temperature plan in effect

Polk County Emergency Management’s Extreme Temperature Plan is now in effect due to dangerously cold conditions. The latest forecast is for a low of 15°C with overnight snow showers on Sunday evening. Highs around 20°C are expected on Monday with a low of 12°C and a very early chance of snow. Starting Tuesday, temperatures will begin to warm to highs in the upper 30s and lows in the upper 20s. The extreme temperature plan expires on Wednesday. Central Iowa will see highs in the mid 40s and lows around 15°. The colder air is thanks to a weather pattern called the “Siberian Express.” As part of the plan, Des Moines Area Regional Transport will provide free rides to warming centers in Polk County. View a complete list of local warming centers.Interactive Radar | Weather warnings | ClosuresEmergency SheltersPolk County provides the following list of emergency shelters on its website: Catholic Charities – Emergency Family Shelters. Central Iowa Shelter & Services – Low-barrier emergency shelter for those 18 and older in Polk County. Children and Families of Iowa – Safe housing for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence. Ellipsis – Housing and programs for youth under 18 involved in the child welfare or juvenile justice system.Hawthorn Hill – Operates New Directions shelter for families with children.Hope Ministries – Offers a men’s shelter called Bethel Mission and the Hope Center- Shelter for women and children.Iowa Homeless Youth Center – emergency shelter for young people ages 18 to 24.” Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayGet the latest headlines from KCCIDDangers of Extreme Cold TemperaturesExtreme temperatures can cause health problems and even death if you’re not careful. Wind chill or “perceived” temperature describes how you perceive the temperature when it is very windy. Wind accelerates your body’s heat loss by removing the insulating layer of heat, making you feel colder than the actual air temperature. If the wind chill falls below -20 degrees, frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 30 minutes, and if the wind chill is colder than -35 degrees, frostbite can occur in less than 10 minutes. During times of extreme cold, you can follow these tips to keep yourself safe and healthy: Limit time outdoors. Cover exposed skin. Bring pets into the house. Make sure you have a travel safety kit with food and supplies. Pay attention to family members and friends who are at risk. Tips on how to keep your home safe and warm During the cold season, the first long phase of sub-zero temperatures is approaching. Here are some important tips to keep your home safe and warm this winter. Do the following: Close your garage door. Keep the heat at at least 64 degrees. Seal cracks in windows and doors. Move furniture away from vents and radiators. Close the chimney of the fireplace when you are not making a fire. Connect space heaters directly to a wall rather than to an extension cord. Leave the heating on when you leave the house. Pipes can burst if your home is too cold. Here’s what you shouldn’t do: Don’t use gas stoves or ovens to heat your home. Do not use a generator in your home. Winter Travel Safety TipsKnow before you go: Check 511ia.org 24/7 for road conditions and other travel information before you travel. Take advantage of your vehicle’s safety equipment: Make sure you and your passengers are wearing seatbelts or in a child seat. Your vehicle’s headlights are a valuable asset when driving in winter. Turn it on to see and be seen. Fill Your Vehicle’s Gas Tank: Before driving in winter weather, always keep your vehicle’s gas tank nearly full and ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle: This kit should contain items that will help you and your passengers save your lives in the event your vehicle breaks down. These items may include: jumper cables, candles and matches, a flashlight with fresh batteries, extra blankets and warm clothing, non-perishable food, a can for melting snow into water, and a snow shovel. The kit should contain enough supplies for everyone traveling in the vehicle. Take a cell phone with you: Always take your cell phone with you and make sure its settings allow for severe weather warnings.