Baby, It’s Cold Outside…

And the frigid temps we’ve experienced over the past several days are nothing to sing about. 2018 is five days in and temps haven’t gone above 16°. And although we’ll begin to see a “warm-up” after Saturday (yay!! 24°), this is Michigan and we need to be prepared for another deep freeze. So here are Goodwill Detroit’s Top 10 ways to stay warm and information on how you can help those who may be less fortunate:

• Dress warm, and dress in layers.
  Dressing properly is extremely important. Wear protection on your ears, face, hands, and feet. If you have a head covering, use it; especially if your work or commute requires that you spend extended periods of time outdoors. Fabric also makes a difference. Cotton not so great; wool, silk, and most synthetics are better for insulation.
• Stay hydrated.
  Drink water and hydrate your skin. In cold weather, people drink less and risk dehydration. Apply lotion indoors and Vaseline on skin exposed to the wind to help prevent windburn and cracking.
• Stay active.
  Keep moving. If you must be outside, keep your blood flowing to stay warmer. Jog in place, move your fingers and keep those joints moving to prevent getting stiff and uncomfortable.
• Warming Centers.
  Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority released a complete list of warming centers in Detroit and throughout Wayne County. We invite you to share this information with anyone who may need assistance during these harsh weather conditions. Many of these shelters also offer beds for sleeping overnight as well. You can download the complete list here.
• Donate warm clothing.
  The City of Detroit is partnering with various local-based communities and volunteers to distribute warm clothing to those in need. The following organizations are accepting donations of new socks, gloves and winter hats for homeless individuals: The Noah Project at the Central Detroit Methodist located at 23 E. Adams Avenue in Detroit, or you can call at 313-965-5422, The Pope Francis Center located at 438 St. Antoine Street in Detroit, or you can call at 313-964-2823.
• Donate monetarily.
  You can also support these outreach efforts by making a monetary donation to Detroit Rescue Missions Ministries, Cass Community Social Services, and Southwest Solutions.
• Educate yourself.
  Be trained in how to identify and treat conditions such as cold stress, frostbite, and hypothermia. Learn more about these conditions by reviewing the OSHA Cold-Stress Guide.
• Volunteer.
  Contact local shelters in your area and ask if they need help to distribute clothing and care during this busy time of year.
• Stay Indoors.
  During extreme weather, if you can stay indoors… STAY INDOORS!! Unless it is absolutely necessary to expose yourself to the frigid temperatures, being inside is your best defense against the cold.
• Be compassionate.
  During times like these doing more good can make a world of difference. Check on the elderly, buy a cup of something warm for someone and if you have extra hats, gloves and scarves, give them away.

What are your tips for staying warm this winter?

If you know of other efforts, tips, or organizations that may be able to help those facing difficulties during these times of frigid temperatures, please share in the comments below and we will continue to update this post with the shared information.