Athens Community Center acting as area warming station

With freezing temperatures and snow in our forecast, everyone deserves access to a safe and warm place. If you need to seek shelter from the weather, or know of someone who does, the Athens Community Center will be open as a warming station today and overnight as the temperatures continue to drop from unseasonable cold to brutally cold and windy conditions. Plans are to accommodate people throughout the day on today through the night until Thursday morning. 

The Athens Community Center is currently open and will remain open as a warming station overnight through Thursday morning at 9 a.m.

The multi-purpose room(s) at west end of the building have been designated to accommodate those seeking shelter from the cold. Certain areas of the community center or activities may not be available for those seeking shelter. For additional information call 740-592-3325 or 740-592-3338.

Weather advisories suggest you stay at home to avoid outside exposure to these conditions.

Health Tips to Stay Safe During Cold Weather

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Wear a hat and change wet clothes frequently to prevent loss of body heat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
• If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.