WORCESTER—The city is activating a warming center Friday, Jan. 30, in response to frigid temperatures expected across the region.
According to a city announcement, the warming center operate from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Worcester Senior Center.
City officials urged residents to take precautions during the extreme cold, including limiting outdoor exposure, dressing in layers and covering exposed skin. The announcement noted that frostbite can develop in under a minute in severe conditions.
Residents are also advised to heat their homes safely by following manufacturers’ instructions for space heaters, keeping at least three feet of clearance around heating devices, and using a dedicated outlet. To prevent frozen pipes, officials recommend opening cabinet doors beneath sinks to allow warm air to circulate. Additional guidance on frozen pipe prevention is available on the city’s water and sewer website.
The city also encouraged residents to keep pets indoors, check paws for signs of injury, dry heavy laundry loads at lower temperatures to reduce fire risk, check on neighbors and older adults, and keep an emergency supply kit in their vehicles.
Worcester Public Schools announced that due to hazardous and wind chill conditions, public schools will be closed on Friday, Jan. 30. Head Start and after-school activities are also canceled. All WPS athletic events scheduled for the afternoon and evening on Friday, Jan. 30, and Saturday, Jan. 31 will take place as scheduled.
Administrative offices will remain open.
Residents seeking additional information can contact Worcester 311 by dialing 3-1-1, emailing 311@worcesterma.gov, or submitting an online request through the city’s website. Cold weather safety tips are also available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
