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Extreme Cold

Woman standing outside in cold weatherWhen the temperature drops significantly below freezing, you need to be prepared! Exposure to these conditions is dangerous, even for brief periods of time. Residents and visitors are advised to stay indoors as much as possible. Vulnerable populations, especially those who live outdoors, are at great risk.

Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite

Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, slurred speech, trouble with coordination, slowed response time, sleepiness, and shivering. Frostbite, which may accompany hypothermia, is characterized by areas of the body becoming dusky, dark, waxy, or blanched after extended exposure to severe cold. Frostbitten areas may feel numb or prickly to the frostbitten person.

These conditions require quick medical evaluation and attention. If you, someone you know, or someone you encounter develops signs or symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, call 911.

Warming centers and shelters

Warming centers provide residents and visitors in need with a safe place to avoid the extreme cold.

Often, during extreme cold, people are welcomed to warm up during the operating hours of Cincinnati Recreation Commission facilities, and at Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library locations. See their websites for hours and details.

Persons without housing are encouraged to seek immediate shelter in such conditions. For information, call the City at 311, or call the United Way at 211. Those in need may also call the Central Access Point (CAP) hotline at 513-381-SAFE (7233) or text CAP at 513-970-1515 for information about local services and shelters.

Prepare your home and stay safe

  • Portable heaters should have an automatic shut-off. Keep flammable materials (clothes, bedding, curtains, etc.) at least 3 feet from the heat. Plug directly into wall outlets; never use an extension cord or power strip. Turn heaters off when you sleep or leave the room.
  • Smoke alarms should be installed throughout your home, and regularly tested. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should also be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home. CO can come from gas furnaces, stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces.
  • Prepare your pipes for winter!
    • Turn off and drain outdoor sprinkler and irrigation systems to prevent frozen and burst pipes.
    • Insulate cool areas in your home such as attics and basements. Fix drafty windows.
    • Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach pipes.
    • Keep water at a trickle to keep it moving through pipes when it is below freezing.
    • Know, in advance, how to turn the water off for your entire home.
    • Learn more from GCWW.

311Cincy can help 

311Cincy is the City of Cincinnati's overall non-emergency customer service system. This includes the 311 call center, online service request system, mobile app, and public alerting systems.

During extreme winter weather, you can use 311Cincy to:

  • Be linked to resources if your heat goes out
  • Connect with city services about piled-up snow
  • Ask questions about trash collection in snowy conditions