MADISON, Wis. — Dangerous cold like what’s expected nationwide this week can be at best a problem, and at worst fatal. Wisconsin health officials hope more warming shelters and cold weather safety can put a dent in the rising number of cold weather-related deaths in the state.
“We don’t turn anyone away so no matter what we’ll make room for them someplace,” said Fares Fares, manager at Porchlight’s drop-in shelter for men on Madison’s east side.
After opening near East Towne Mall in October, the shelter is about to enter its first winter – and it’s not starting easy with this week’s frigid blast.
“Due to the upcoming storm on Thursday, sometimes we see more guests arrive,” Fares said.
RELATED: High demand for new temporary men’s shelter set to open on Madison’s East Side
Last Tuesday, the number of people at the shelter hit 228, the most it has had so far.
“We are most definitely prepared to welcome as many guests as required as possible,” Fares said.
They have more than 200 beds and mattresses, and just put out more cots for a total of 20.
Guests are also offered two meals a day.
“Usually, we’d increase our meal count on certain days but usually we’re, we always have a surplus so even if we welcome up to 300 guests we’d be prepared,” Fares said.
The alternative for those guests is often battling the dangerous cold.
That proved deadly for 91 Wisconsinites last winter, according to the state’s Department of Health Services. The year before, 78 people died of cold-related causes.
“We have seen a slight uptick in the last few years. It’s really hard to pinpoint any particular issue that may be driving that,” said Dr. Jon Meiman, DHS’ chief medical officer in the Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health.
Dr. Meiman said it’s not just the homeless community that’s at risk.
“(Those who are at an) advanced age, maybe living alone, without good heating in the home, people who are outdoors for extended periods of time who maybe are not prepared or caught kind of out in the cold, they can also include persons who are impaired from drugs or alcohol,” he said.
While frostbite symptoms like gray, waxy, firm skin can be easy to spot or feel, Dr. Meiman said it’s also important to recognize the early signs of hypothermia.
“Shivering, clumsiness, not being coordinated, maybe confusion — if you recognize this in somebody else, it’s important to get them inside as quickly as possible,” he said. “Take their body temperature — if their body temperature is below 95 degrees, that’s a medical emergency and you need to seek help.”
And it’s important to check on neighbors, friends, or others you know living alone with inadequate heating.
“Contact their local health department, they can help out with heating assistance,” Dr. Meiman said.
Over at Porchlight, Fares is not just preparing for a surge in men seeking warmth, but men seeking support this week.
“It’s difficult during the holidays when you’re not around your family. A lot of people in society are around their family during the holidays and as a result, there’s a lot more drinking, substance abuse and stuff,” he said. “But we try to make them feel at home here, and we try to uplift their spirits in any way we can.”
The newer center has space for separate rooms where staff can have one-on-one sessions with guests. Case managers are also available every day.
“You can give a person housing, but it doesn’t necessarily heal the trauma that they’ve experienced,” Fares said. “So understanding their trauma and also healing the substance abuse issues and mental health issues is the only thing that will allow them to gain stability on their own.”
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