December 15, 2004
By Diane Haag
Shreveport Times
Blankets and socks have been flying off the shelves at Hope House over the last couple of days as the city's homeless stopped by the day shelter to get ready for the coldest nights so far this winter.
The National Weather Service predicted a low of 23 degrees Tuesday night, and tonight the temperatures are expected to drop to 27.
"They all know it's coming and they're trying to prepare for it," Hope House director Peggy O'Neal said.
Already the agency, which provides laundry and shower facilities for the homeless, had run out of blankets once and received a donation to replenish the supply somewhat.
About 60 people had visited the agency on Tuesday and 75 came through on Monday compared to a normal day of 45 to 50.
Local shelters were pulling out cots to make sure no one was left out in the cold. At the Salvation Army, Maj. Stephen Long said he was relaxing some restrictions on clients who might have previously been kicked out.
"We have our weather watch team in place looking for every and anybody we know that are out there," he said. "We'll make exceptions as long as they're not a danger to our other clients. And they need to be sober."
At the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission, the story was about the same.
They expected a few more folks and planned to pull out cots and place them wherever they would fit, even in the chapel.
"It's like any other day except the temperature," said Kerry Hemphill of the mission. "We are going to make accommodations as we can and make sure we are as available as we can be for people to come in out of the cold."
All agencies reported some needs. Long said he is looking for a few more portable cots. And O'Neal said they are in need of blankets, sleeping bags and outerwear for clients.
The freezing weather is not expected to last long. The rest of the week should see lows in the mid-30s and highs in the mid-50s.
Cold weather tips
Cold weather means preparation for everyone. Here are a few tips to keep you and your household warm and safe:
- Clothing: Wear layers if you are going to be outside. Top off outfits with a wool cap or other hat or head covering. Wear gloves.
- Pipes: Make sure all pipes are insulated. In older homes built on piers, turn water faucet on so that it is barely running. If pipes freeze, use a hair dryer or electric heat gun instead.
- Pets: Should be kept indoors in weather near or below freezing. If that is not possible, cover the ground of outdoor shelters with cedar shavings, dry rags or carpet to help keep animals warm. Keep animals dry.
- Plants: Move what you can indoors. If they are too large to bring in, sink the pot into the ground with the top of the pot level with the top of the ground and mulch it. For smaller plants that still need to remain outside, throw covers over them and put a supplemental heat source, such as a 75-watt bulb, under the cover. The cover should reach the ground.
- Car: Check antifreeze level in your radiator. Make sure tires are in good condition. Check the battery and keep terminals clean.
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