City of Danville emergency management officials urge citizens to contact the dispatch center at (434) 799-5111 if they are in need of shelter from the frigid temperatures forecast Monday night and during the day on Tuesday.
Callers will be directed to available shelters.
A wind chill advisory is in effect through 3 p.m. Tuesday as the latest forecast from the National Weather Service indicates Danville can expect strong gusty winds and dangerous wind chill.
Wind chills will begin to drop to dangerous values this evening. Frostbite is a danger to exposed skin, and the severe cold may lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
Temperatures will fall quickly tonight, with the wind chill dropped to minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
WBTM/WAKG reports that First Baptist Church on Main Street will open its fellowship hall to those seeking shelter from the cold Tuesday. In addition, Capt. Karl Dahlin with the Danville Salvation Army on Henry Street says he is coordinating with the Red Cross to provide shelter.
Citizens should watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose.
If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
Signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
