Iowa weather: Polk County activates Extreme Temperature Plan
Polk County has reactivated its Extreme Temperature Plan due to dangerous cold temperatures.
Most of the state saw wind chills double-digits below zero. Tuesday could see similarly dangerous temperatures, but we should be warming up for the afternoon. Temps in the 30s should return by Wednesday, at which point the Extreme Temperature Plan will expire.
When the plan is active, provides free rides to warming centers in Polk County. .
Interactive Radar | Weather Alerts | Closings
Emergency shelters
Polk County provides the following on its website:
- — Emergency shelter for families.
- — Low-barrier emergency shelter for individuals over 18 in Polk County.
- — Safe shelter for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence.
- — Shelter and programs for youth under 18 who are involved with the child welfare or juvenile justice system.
- Hawthorn Hill — Operates shelter for families with children.
- Hope Ministries — Provides a men’s shelter called and the shelter for women and children.
- — Emergency shelter beds for young people between the ages of 18 to 24.
» Download the free vlog app to get updates on the go: |
Get the latest headlines from vlog
Dangers of extremely cold temperatures
Extreme temperatures can lead to health problems and even death if you’re not careful.
The wind chill or “feels like” temperature describes how you perceive temperature when it’s very windy. Wind speeds up heat loss from your body by removing the insulating layer of heat, thereby making you feel colder than the actual air temperature. When wind chills drop below -20 degrees, this can lead to frostbite on exposed skin in 30 minutes, and when wind chills are colder than -35 degrees, frostbite can occur in under 10 minutes. During periods of extreme cold you can practice the following tips to keep yourself safe and healthy:
- Limit time outdoors
- Cover exposed skin
- Bring pets indoors
- Make sure you have a travel safety kit with food and supplies
- Check on vulnerable family and friends.
Tips for keeping your house safe and warm during the cold weather
The season's first extended stretch of freezing temperatures is coming. Here are some important reminders to keep your house safe and warm this winter.
Do:
- Close your garage door.
- Keep your heat to at least 64 degrees.
- Seal cracks in windows and doors.
- Move furniture away from vents and radiators.
- Close the flue to the fireplace, if you're not running a fire.
- Plug space heaters directly into a wall and not an extension cord.
- Keep your heat on when leaving the house. Pipes can burst if it's too cold in your house.
Don't:
- Don't use gas stoves or ovens to heat your home.
- Don't use a generator in your house.
Safety tips for winter travel
Know before you go: Check for 24/7 road conditions and other travel information before you travel.
Use your vehicle's safety equipment: Make sure you and your passengers are wearing their seatbelts or are in a child safety seat. Your vehicle’s headlights are a valuable asset when driving in winter weather. Turn them on to see and be seen.
Fill your vehicle's gas tank: Before traveling in winter weather, always keep your vehicle’s gas tank nearly full and make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.
Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle: This kit should contain items to help sustain your life and the lives of your passengers should your vehicle become stranded. These items can include: booster cables, candles and matches, a flashlight with fresh batteries, extra blankets and warm clothes, nonperishable food items, a can for melting snow into water, and a snow shovel. Sufficient supplies should be in the kit for all persons traveling in the vehicle.
Carry a mobile phone: Always have your mobile phone with you and make sure its settings allow for alerts that warn you of severe weather.
