As the National Weather Service predicts dangerously low temperatures and wind chills reaching as much as 20 degrees below zero in our region, local authorities have set up multiple warming centers to offer refuge. Locations include the Knox County Housing Authority Overnight Shelter and the Public Safety Building Lobby in Galesburg, both offering extended hours during the coldest periods. Additional centers at the YMCA in Galesburg and the fire stations in Oneida and Wataga will also be available. Residents are urged to minimize outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions such as dressing in layers, staying dry, and checking on vulnerable community members. For those needing shelter or assistance, detailed cold weather safety tips and warming center locations can be accessed online.
The following locations in Galesburg and Knox County will be available as warming centers:
- Knox County Housing Authority Overnight Shelter – 525/527 Iowa Ct, Galesburg (open daily from 6:00 PM – 7:00 AM)
- Public Safety Building Lobby – 150 S Broad St, Galesburg (open 24 hours, daily)
- YMCA Lobby – 1324 W Carl Sandburg Drive, Galesburg (available as a warming center on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 20th and 21st from 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
- Oneida Fire Station – 210 N Sage St., Oneida (available 6:00 PM Sunday night until Wednesday morning at 8:00 AM)
- Wataga Fire Station – 310 W Willard St, Wataga (available 6:00 PM Sunday night until Wednesday morning at 8:00 AM)
The National Weather Service issues wind chill advisories/warnings when a deadly combination of wind and cold air is forecast. To learn more about wind chill, visit the National Weather Service website: https://www.weather.gov/ama/windchill.
When cold weather threatens, follow these tips for survival:
- Stay dry – Wet clothing results in much faster heat loss from your body. Wear waterproof insulated boots.
- Stay covered – Wear mittens or gloves and a hat. At least half of your body heat is lost if your head is not covered.
- Dress in layers – Trapped air between loose-fitting clothing helps to insulate.
- Stay informed – Have a portable NOAA weather radio nearby to keep you up-to-date with the latest forecasts and warnings. Use wind chill temperatures to guide you in dressing properly for the outdoors. On very cold days, minimize your exposure to the outdoors if possible.
Tips for Extreme Cold Weather:
- Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
- Stay home! If you MUST go out, keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle
- Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc.
- Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
- Check on the elderly.
- Bring pets inside.
How Should I Dress?
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, and a hat.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Try to stay dry and out of the wind.