As very cold weather moves in this weekend, Lincoln County Health Department wishes to remind you about cold weather safety.
Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related health emergencies that may quickly become life or limb threatening.
Take these steps to avoid frostbite and hypothermia:
- Be aware of the wind chill. Dress appropriately and avoid staying in the cold too long. Wear a hat and gloves with layers of clothing. Avoid unnecessary exposure of any part of the body to the cold.
- Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water but avoid caffeine and alcohol. Stay active to maintain body heat.
- Take frequent breaks from the cold.
- Get out of the cold immediately if you see signs of hypothermia or frostbite. These include uncontrollable shivering, numbness, weakness, tingling, and more.
If you need somewhere warm to stay during the day, visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services warming center map.
Additionally, the St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren County Continuum of Care is working with area organizations to provide the Emergency Weather Response program (EWR) through mid-March 2026.
Call 636-344-0177 after 3pm to see if overnight warming shelters are activated. Activations will also be announced on Lincoln County MO Health Department Facebook page.
This program is activated to provide a safe sleeping location overnight when the weather is predicted to be 20 degrees or below. If you need a warm place to sleep, call the hotline (636) 344-0177. Transportation services may be available.
If you're interested in being a volunteer, please see the attached flyer.
Learn more here: https://lchdmo.org/updates-blog/2025/11/25/emergency-weather-response-ewr-2025
