WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- The Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross will continue to open the doors at two Palm Beach County cold shelters for the next several nights to keep vulnerable county residents safe from the cold, inclement weather conditions.
The Red Cross will staff shelters at:
West Gate Community Center, 3691 Oswego Avenue, West Palm Beach
West County Senior Center, 2916 State Road 15, Belle Glade
Both shelters, which will provide basic human needs, are open evenings starting at 7 p.m. Callers looking for transportation to the shelters should be directed to “211” or to (866) 882-2991, toll free. Upon closing at 8 :30 a.m. in the morning, shelter occupants will be expected to leave the centers.
Additional Cold Shelter Information: There is no charge for staying at the cold weather shelters. Guests may not bring illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, any weapons or pets to a cold weather shelter. Guests must follow the posted rules of the cold weather shelters and depart promptly upon shelter closure. Anyone is welcome in the cold shelters.
The American Red Cross suggests the following Cold Weather Safety Tips: Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves. Make sure you're wearing a hat that covers your ears. Dress in layers so you can remove a few layers if you get too warm. Recognize the signs of hypothermia - confusion, dizziness, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion, severe shivering, and slurred speech. Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket. Drink warm fluids like hot cider or soup while avoiding caffeine or alcohol. Follow your doctor's order regarding any strenuous exercise outside if you have cardiac problems or high blood pressure. To donate to the Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, call 561-833-7711 or visit www.redcross-pbc.org.
For over 90 years, the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter, which includes Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties, has provided relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, taught lifesaving skills, and supported military members and their families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time and money to perform its humanitarian mission. To learn more about the work of the Red Cross in communities, or to make a donation, please call 561-833-7711 or visit our website at www.redcross-pbc.org.
