City of Worcester opens warming centers as bitter cold temps move in

WORCESTER, Mass. — An arctic blast is putting New England on ice this week. The bitter cold with the wind chills is leaving it downright bone-chilling outdoors.

Worcester is opening up warming centers for residents. People can seek shelter at the Worcester Senior Center or at the Worcester Public Library to escape the frigid temperatures.

The warming centers are set to be open Tuesday and Wednesday:

Tuesday

Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Sq. – 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence St. – 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday

Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Sq. – 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence St. – 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The city is urging people to prepare for the cold and stay safe. They said:

Avoid outdoor exposure for extended periods and cover exposed skin. Dress in layers and stay dry.
Watch for frostbite, which can develop in under a minute
Heat your home safely. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heating your house with a space heater. Keep three feet of space around the space heater and use a dedicated outlet.
Open cabinet doors that enclose any indoor pipes to allow warm air to circulate and prevent freezing. Additional tips to prevent frozen pipes can be found here.
Keep pets indoors and check paws for signs of injury/damage
Dry your clothes at a lower temperature when drying heavy loads to guard against accidental fires.
Check on neighbors and elders often
Keep an emergency supply kit in your car

For more information, you can call Worcester 311.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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