The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services coordinates a network of warming and cooling centers in the community. As December begins and the weather gets colder, the public is reminded of several locations in Columbia available to those who need shelter from the extreme cold.

Warming Centers are available to the general public during the building's normal business hours. The public is allowed access to public areas, such as lobbies, restrooms, drinking fountains, etc. Columbia's warming centers include:

ARC (Activity and Recreation Center) at 1707 West Ash Street - 573.874.7700

Armory Sports and Community Center at 701 East Ash Street - 573.874.7466

Boone County Government Center at 801 East Walnut - 573.886.4305

Columbia/Boone Cty Dept of Public Health & Human Services at 1005 West Worley - 573.874.7488

Columbia Public Library at 100 West Broadway - 573.443.3161

Missouri United Methodist Church at 204 South 9^th Street - 573.443.3111

Salvation Army at 1108 West Ash Street - 573.442.3229

Salvation Army Harbor House at 602 North Ann - 573.442.1984     

St. Francis House at 901 Rangeline - 573.875.4913

Official Shelters provide sleeping accommodations. These locations may or may not include meals. Columbia's official shelters include:

New Life Evangelistic Center (for men) at 901 Wilkes Blvd - 573.875.0603

Rainbow House (for children/youth) at 1611 Towne Dr - 573.474.3558

Salvation Army Harbor House at 602 North Ann - 573.442.1984

St. Francis House (for men) at 901 Rangeline - 573.875.4913

True North (for victims of domestic violence) - 573.875.1369

Welcome Home (for veterens) at 1206 Rangeline - 573.443.8001

In order to reduce cold weather threats, consider these simple precautions:

• Dress warm and stay dry. Wear a hat, scarf and mittens. Stay dry to prevent excess heat loss from the body.
• Do not ignore shivering. Shivering is a sign that the body is losing heat. If shivering persists, go indoors.
• Know the warning signs for hypothermia, an abnormally low body temperature. Continued exposure to cold temperatures can cause confusion, drowsiness, clumsiness and exhaustion.
• Know the signs and symptoms for frostbite, or injury to the body caused by freezing. Frostbite mostly affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Signs include tingling and numbness, white or grayish yellow areas of skin, and skin that feels waxy.
• Be safe while outdoors in winter elements. Avoid ice covered walkways, be cautious while shoveling snow and clearing walkways.
• Avoid travelling on ice-covered roads, overpasses and bridges.
• Limit outdoor time for children and monitor for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors that could be at high risk of cold related injury or illness including elderly, those that are fighting an illness and people that do not have access to adequate heat.
• Provide proper shelter for pets. If pets or livestock must remain outdoors, provide fresh water and food supplies on a regular basis.
• If you become stranded in your vehicle, cover your body with extra clothing and remain in your vehicle.

Additionally, the health department offers two utility assistance programs for qualified Boone County Residents. H.E.L.P. (Heat Energy and Light Program) provides one-time emergency assistance to low income families with young children in the home. C.A.S.H. (Citizens Assisting Seniors and Handicapped) also provides emergency assistance to low-income senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

For more information on Warming Centers or our utility assistance programs, please visit the City of Columbia website at www.gocolumbiamo.com