With deep cold hitting the Okanagan, and heavy snowfall, the city of Penticton issued a warning to residents and opened several warming locations.
For people who have to go outside, it’s best to make sure you are dressed for the weather, including layers of clothing with water and windproof outer layers, a hat and face mask, waterproof boots, and mittens instead of gloves.
During the winter, there are also places where people can warm up.
The South Okanagan Events Centre will be open between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and pets are allowed inside as long as they are leashed and under control.
READ MORE: Penticton road crews clearing snow since 4 a.m., says the city
City Hall will be open until Dec. 23 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., after which it will be closed until Jan. 3 for the holidays.
The Penticton Public Library will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays until Dec. 24. The library will reopen Jan. 2.
Penticton Seniors’ Drop-in Centre will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Penticton Community Centre will be open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. but will be closed on Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1.
With the cold comes the potential for injuries and illness, which can include severe reactions to the temperatures.
Frostbite is the freezing of the skin and the tissues below the skin and hypothermia can occur when the body gets cold and loses heat faster than the body can make it.
Both conditions can cause serious injury if left untreated.
For Medical Attention you can phone 9-1-1 for emergencies, 8-1-1 for health-related illnesses and advice or 2-1-1 to connect with other services.
To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.
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