Safety Tips, Resources Available as Colder Weather Arrives

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – The arrival of colder temperatures is a reminder for everyone that winter weather is just around the corner. It’s important to pay attention to weather advisories, avoid safety risks and to take steps to remain warm as the temperatures drop.

The following tips from the City’s public safety providers can help residents stay safe through the winter months:

Avoid using ovens and stoves as alternate heating sources; these are potentially dangerous sources of carbon monoxide and fire.

If you are using a portable heater, plug it directly into a wall outlet — do not use extension cords or power strips as this can result in fires.

Keep portable heaters away from other items and never set anything on top of a portable heater.

Wear appropriate clothing when going outside. Add layers to increase warmth, and be sure to protect your face, ears and hands.

Be aware of your vehicle’s fuel level; don’t risk running out of gas. Keep winter supplies such as spare blankets, gloves and hats in your vehicle.

For those in need of access to warming centers, the United Way of Missouri/Southwest Illinois annually compiles a list of facilities that can provide shelter during specified hours or conditions.

In Edwardsville, the following sites are available to serve as warming centers. Please note that holiday closures can impact availability; it’s suggested to call or check each site’s website in advance to ensure it’s operating. The United Way’s entire 211 list of warming centers can be found at: https://www.211helps.org/warming-sites/

When temperatures drop below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) the following facilities will be available as warming stations during listed hours:

Edwardsville Public Library: 112 S. Kansas St. -- (618) 692-7556; https://www.edwardsvillelibrary.org/ Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1-5 p.m.

Main Street Community Center: 1003 N. Main St. – (618) 656-0300; https://mainstcc.org/ Hours: Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

YMCA Meyer Center: 7348 Goshen Road – (618) 655-1460; https://edwardsvilleymca.com/ Hours: Monday through Friday: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

YMCA Niebur Center: 1200 Esic Drive – (618) 656-0436; https://edwardsvilleymca.com/ Hours: Monday through Friday: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. When temperatures drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, the following facility will be activated:

The Overnight Warming Location at First Baptist Church of Edwardsville: 534 St. Louis Street, Edwardsville. The location organizers will determine whether to open by noon on any day the activation threshold is expected to be met. That announcement will be made on the OWL’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OvernightWarmingLocations

Additional sites may be added as needed. In emergency situations, please call 911.

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