Cold weather causes concern across area

By Michael Mee/The Leeds News

Parents and area residents are wondering what might happen as the cold weather blasts through the area. School officials said that the most up-to-date information on closings can be found by keeping an ear out for radio and television spots that will let people know if schools are closing early or will not be open Friday. The Leeds News will also post information regarding school closings on its web site as soon as it is made available.

School officials have been in constant contact with the Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Transportation to see if and when buses can run Thursday and Friday and even on into Monday, when the cold arctic air bearing down on the area is expected to subside.

Officials with the Leeds Board of Education announced Wednesday that schools would close at 11 a.m. due to the threat of snow. Buses will provide usual transportation.

St. Clair County school officials also have announced that schools would be closing at 11 a.m.

The city of Leeds has opened its Civic Center doors Wednesday night for residents in need of shelter from the low temperatures blanketing the area. Leeds residents who come to the Civic Center are asked to bring their own food, blankets, pillows and sleeping bags in case there are not enough cots available.

Leeds is already planning to open the shelter through Saturday if temperatures warrant and it could remain open after that if needed.

Also, the Leeds Welfare Cooperative is asking for donations to help stock the shelter. Needs include new, or gently used, hats, gloves, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable food that does not require cooking.

Leeds Mayor Eric Patterson is encouraging residents to check on neighbors and pets.

Tuesday evening, the Mid Alabama Region of the American Red Cross partnered with the Jefferson County EMA Hands on Birmingham volunteers to provide support at warming stations in the St. Clair area.

Jefferson County EMA and Birmingham officials decided to open warming stations after a hard freeze warning was issued by the National Weather Service for the remainder of the week and through the weekend. The stations serve as a location for anyone who does not have access to a heated place to stay. Warming stations opening in the include:

• Moody United Methodist Church (820 Church St., Moody)

• First Baptist Pell City (2309 2nd Ave. N, Pell City)

• Springville First United Methodist Church (6471 US Hwy 11, Springville)

Volunteers will be on hand to offer coffee, hot chocolate, water and snacks to those who need a warm place to stay for the night. The warming stations will be open through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. If the need arises, more warming stations may become available.

As temperatures drop across the region, agencies such as the St. Clair Red Cross and Emergency Management Agency are urging residents to take steps to guard against hypothermia and other emergencies common during severely cold weather.

“Winter can be a beautiful time of year in St. Clair County, but it also brings quiet dangers such as brutally cold temperatures,” said Christine Arnold, head of the St. Clair’s Red Cross. “Everyone, especially senior citizens and children, should take precautions to guard against hypothermia this winter, and the Red Cross can help.”

Severely cold weather may cause hypothermia, a serious condition that predominantly affects young children and people over the age of 60. Symptoms of hypothermia include: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

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