Indianapolis residents are being urged to prepare for dangerously cold wind chills and the potential for snow as frigid weather is expected to impact central Indiana beginning early Friday, Jan. 23, according to the Marion County Public Health Department.
Health officials say extreme cold is forecast for early Friday morning and throughout the day, with more frigid temperatures and snow expected to continue into the weekend. Residents are encouraged to limit time spent outdoors and cover exposed skin as much as possible to reduce the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Adults and children should wear a hat, scarf or knit mask to cover the face, mouth and neck, mittens or gloves, a water-resistant coat and boots, and several layers of loose-fitting clothing. Staying dry is especially important, as wet clothing can cause the body to lose heat quickly.
Special precautions are advised for infants. Children younger than one year old should never sleep in a cold room, as they lose body heat more easily than adults and cannot generate warmth by shivering. Infants should sleep in a warm room and be dressed in warm clothing. Health officials caution against using extra blankets or soft bedding, which can increase the risk of smothering.
Residents are also encouraged to check on older relatives, neighbors and individuals with special needs to ensure they have adequate heat in their homes.
Health officials outlined warning signs of cold-related illnesses. Symptoms of hypothermia in adults include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. In infants, warning signs include red, cold skin and very low energy. Medical attention should be sought immediately if a person’s body temperature falls below 95 degrees.
Frostbite may occur on exposed skin and can be identified by redness, pain, white or grayish-yellow skin, waxy or firm skin, or numbness. Officials note that individuals may not realize they have frostbite because the affected area is often numb; individuals should seek medical care if symptoms are present.
Residents are also advised to take steps to prevent frozen pipes by leaving faucets on a continuous drip, opening cabinet doors beneath sinks, keeping thermostats at a consistent temperature day and night, closing garage doors where water supply lines are present, and disconnecting garden hoses and draining outdoor pipes when possible.
Additional caution is urged when using fuel-burning heating sources, including natural gas, kerosene, oil or wood, which can produce carbon monoxide. Proper maintenance, ventilation and adherence to manufacturer instructions are critical. Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from flammable items and never placed on furniture or near water. Extension cords should not be used with space heaters.
During power outages, battery-powered flashlights or lanterns are recommended instead of candles. Generators should never be used indoors or in garages and should be placed outdoors at least 20 feet from windows, doors or vents. Officials also recommend installing a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm.
Cold weather can be dangerous for pets as well. Residents are encouraged to bring pets indoors or provide adequate shelter, fresh unfrozen water and protection for exposed areas such as noses, ears and paw pads.
Residents are reminded to monitor local weather forecasts closely and adjust travel plans if necessary. More information on winter weather preparedness is available at ready.gov/winter-weather.
Warming centers in Indianapolis
As temperatures drop, Indy Parks opens its network of family centers to serve as public warming locations during regular operating hours, which vary by location. Residents can stop in to stay safe from extreme cold, and each site offers indoor space, restrooms and staff on hand.
- Frederick Douglass Park Family Center — 1616 E. 25th St.
- Windsor Village Park Family Center — 6510 E. 25th St.
- Broad Ripple Park Family Center — 1426 Broad Ripple Ave.
- Brookside Park Family Center — 3500 Brookside Parkway S. Dr.
- Christian Park Family Center — 4200 English Ave.
- Garfield Park Burrello Family Center — 2345 Pagoda Dr.
- Krannert Park Family Center — 605 S. High School Rd.
- Municipal Gardens Family Center — 1831 Lafayette Rd.
- Pride Park Family Center — 1129 S. Vandeman St.
- Rhodius Park Family Center — 1720 W. Wilkins St.
- Riverside Park Family Center — 2420 N. Riverside Dr.
- Stanley Strader Park Family Center — 2850 Bethel Ave.
- Washington Park Family Center — 3130 E. 30th St.
- Watkins Park Family Center — 2360 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.
For a full list of centers and hours, visit indy.gov/activity/indy-parks-family-centers.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
