Stay Warm, Rice County! Emergency Shelters Open During Arctic Cold Snap

Brace yourselves, folks! Rice County is bracing for a serious cold snap this weekend. Temperatures are set to dip below zero, making it feel like -25°F or even colder from Sunday to Tuesday mornings. Wind chills might hit -30°F in some areas. The National Weather Service is expected to issue warnings and advisories soon. So, what can you do to stay safe? Stay indoors when you can and avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Got kids waiting for the bus? Find them a cozy spot. Don't forget to prep your car. Pack some blankets, snacks, water, a shovel, jumper cables, and sand. Keep your gas tank at least half full. Oh, and don't leave your car running in a closed garage—that's a big no-no!

Pets and livestock need your help too. Make sure they have plenty of food and water that hasn't frozen. And check your water pipes to prevent freezing. Know the signs of hypothermia: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, and slurred speech. If someone shows these symptoms, call 911 right away. For those without enough heat at home, several warming centers are opening up across Rice County. Check out Faribault Community Center, Faribault Public Library, FiftyNorth, and more. Give them a call to find out their hours. Stay warm, stay safe, and take care of each other!

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