It’s freezing. Here’s some info on warming centers, power outages and frozen pipes

Indiana will continue to bear the brunt of a blistering winter storm that’s sweeping across the U.S. for the next several days. 

During this bitter cold Indiana residents are advised to take precautions including staying inside when possible, having an emergency plan in case of a power outage, and keeping devices charged so they can receive updates and stay informed. 

Power outages

Residents can report power outages to AES day or night online or by calling 317-261-8111. 

In case residents lose power, they should only use a generator in a well-ventilated area –– never inside. People should also never use stove tops or ovens to heat homes, the Indianapolis Fire Department advises.

Indiana residents can call 211, which operates 24/7, to access information about food, crisis hotlines, and disability and health-related needs.

Frozen water pipes

The frigid temperatures can also bring about frozen water pipes at homes and businesses. This could result in significant water damage if the ice expands inside pipes increasing pressure and causing them to burst.

People are encouraged to leave their faucets dripping for water to flow and prevent freezing, and to make sure uninsulated pipes in unheated areas are secured by wrapping them with appropriate materials. The Indiana American Water also advises people to keep their heater on no lower than 55 F if they’re going out of town and to make sure their garage door and vents are closed. 

Warming centers

Indy Parks Family Center facilities announced they would open warming centers beginning Friday, Jan. 12. The facilities aren’t scheduled to be open 24 hours a day, but the department said it will continue to monitor weather conditions. Here’s a list of warming centers around the city this weekend:

• Sunday Extended Hours
  • Broad Ripple Park 10am – 6pm
  • Brookside Park 10am –6pm
  • Municipal Gardens 2pm – 8pm

• Monday Extended City Holiday Hours
  • Stanley Strader Park 10am – 8pm
  • Broad Ripple Park 10am – 6pm
  • Garfield Park 10am – 6pm
  • Riverside Park 10am – 6pm
  • Thatcher Park 10am – 6pm
  • Windsor Park 10am – 6pm

You can find a full list of warming centers throughout the week online.

People experiencing homelessness are at serious risk for adverse health outcomes or even death if they don’t access necessary accommodations. 

The city of Indianapolis provided the below information.

Single men in need of shelter should check in at the Wheeler Mission Shelter for Men at 520 E. Market Street. People will be directed to overflow locations if the shelter is at capacity.

Women and families can contact the Wheeler Mission Center for Women and Children at 317-687-3630. 

Horizon House –– located at 1033 E. Washington Street –– will stay open as a warming center for people experiencing homelessness when the air temperature falls below 10 F or the wind chill temperature falls below 0 F. Here are the center’s operating hours:

• Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 
• Wednesdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

If the air temperature is at 0 F or below, Outreach Inc. –– located at 2416 E New York Street –– will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays as a warming center for those between the ages of 14 and 24 who are experiencing housing instability.