Callaway County won't thaw until next week at the earliest, thanks to a lingering polar vortex, the National Weather Service predicts.
The forecast suggests this week's high will happen Wednesday, with temperatures reaching a balmy 21 degrees as wintry mix falls. Temps are expected to plunge to frigid new depths Saturday nights, dipping below zero for the first time this winter.
This kind of weather is hard on everyone and everything, but especially those who lack access to reliable heating and shelter.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has an online database of warming centers in the state, available here (bit.ly/3cPoitG). DHSS recommends calling ahead to centers if possible due to potential changes because of COVID-19.
Daniel Boone Regional Libraries are among the usual shelters not participating this year due to the pandemic.
"None of the Daniel Boone Regional Libraries - that includes the Callaway County Public Library in Fulton, the Columbia Public Library, the Holts Summit Public Library and the Southern Boone County Public Library in Ashland - are warming centers this year," said Mitzi St. John, DBRL public relations manager. "Currently, visits to the library are limited to 30 minutes."
Leaving out the libraries, DHSS lists three potential shelters in Callaway County:
Callaway County Health Department, 4950 County Road 304, Fulton; 573-642-6881; 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call ahead to check if warming center is open.
Callaway Senior Center, 531 Commons Drive, Fulton; 573-642-2458; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call first if weather is bad.
State of Missouri 13th Judicial Circuit Court, 10 E. Fifth St., Fulton; 573-642-0780; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
As of Monday, Fulton's only overnight homeless shelter, Wiley House, had one bed available for a woman. All men's beds were full, as is family shelter Haven House.
"It's been crazy," said Our House executive director Misty Dothage.
Wiley House is currently open 24/7, rather than just overnight. Call 573-642-6065 to learn more.
Nearby Boone and Cole counties have warming centers, too.
Jefferson City
Capital Mall, 3600 County Club Drive; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
Clarke Senior Center, 1310 Linden Drive; 573-634-8020; 8 a.m.-4 p.m Monday through Friday; closed during severe weather and on holidays.
Missouri River Regional Library, 214 Adams St.; 573-634-2464; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
The Salvation Army of Jefferson City can provide overnight cots during cold weather. For more information, call 573-635-1975.
Columbia
Activity and Recreation Center, 1707 W. Ash St.; 573-874-7700. Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Armory Sports and Community Center, 701 E. Ash St.; 573-815-5077. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call to check if the warming center is open.
Boone County Government Center, 801 E. Walnut St.; 573-886-4305. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call to check if the warming center is open.
Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, 1005 W. Worley; 573-874-7355. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call to check if the warming center is open.
Columbia Mall, 2300 Bernadette Drive; 573-445-8458. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Room at the Inn, 804 Old 63 North; 573-355-7151. Monday through Sunday, 7 p.m.-7 a.m.
Salvation Army Columbia, 1108 W. Ash St.; 573-442-3229. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Call to check if the warming center is open.
Salvation Army Harbor House Shelter, 602 N. Ann St., 573-442-1984. Open 24/7. Call to check if the warming center is open. Sleeping accommodations provided.
St. Francis House, 901 Rangeline St.; 573-875-4913. Men only; sleeping accommodations provided. Call to learn more.
Other resources and tips
To learn about other resources in the area, call the United Way resource hotline at 211.
If you don't need help, but you know of a senior citizen or disabled adult who needs assistance due to cold weather, you can report the situation to the MDHSS at health.mo.gov/abuse or by calling 1-800-392-0210.
The MDHSS offers a number of tips for avoiding hypothermia and frostbite.
They suggest staying hydrated with sports drinks and warm fluids, but avoiding drinks containing caffeine and alcohol. Recreational drugs should also be avoided, as they impair judgment and the body's response to temperatures.
Layer up to increase your insulation against the cold. Wear a hat and scarf, sleeves that are snug at the wrists, mittens or gloves and a water-resistant coat and boots. Carry extra clothes and blankets. Use lotion to protect against chapped skin. Keep an especially close eye on young children.
Minimize sitting and squatting outdoors - those positions hinder circulation. Try to only go outside during the warmest part of the day, usually between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Adjust slowly to outdoor activities, as extreme cold strains the heart.
Signs of frostbite include numbness, reduced blood flow, pale skin, aching in the body part or a tingling or stinging sensation. Signs of hypothermia include apathy, weakness, drowsiness, exhaustion, numbness, impaired judgment, loss of consciousness and uncontrolled shivering - though in severe cases, shivering stops entirely. A hypothermic infant's skin will turn bright red and cold to the touch, and the infant will seem to have limited energy.
In case of frostbite or hypothermia, move to a warm area immediately and seek medical attention.