 Hypothermia Awareness and Prevention
When the weather is extremely cold your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be made, which can lead to serious health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.
Hypothermia is when a person's body gets to an abnormally low body temperature and affects their brain. Common signs and symptoms include confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness or drowsiness, stiff muscles, exhaustion, and memory loss.
Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. It leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, common areas usually affected are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes.
If you can't avoid being outside, remember to follow these 3 steps and make sure to always tell someone where you are going:
- Dress in layers 🧣
- Cover exposed skin 🧤
- Limit the time spent outside ⌚
Get to Know Local Hypothermia Shelter Services
Shelter service providers, Streetlight Ministries and Manassas Baptist Church will be servicing the Prince William Area from November 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Services are available to persons who are experiencing homelessness and are unhoused.
StreetLight Ministries, Eastern Prince William County:
- Open every evening regardless of temperature during hypothermia season.
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Contact: thermalshelter@thestreetlight.org or call 703-227-7140
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Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.
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Location: Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, 14716 Potomac Mills Rd., Woodbridge, VA 22192
Manassas Baptist Church (MBC), Western Prince William County
- Open only when the temperature is below 32°F (taking into consideration the wind chill factor)
- Updates are provided via MBC's webpage and Facebook
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Contact: 571-277-0728
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Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 7:00 p.m. - 6:15 a.m. (except Wednesdays: 8:30 p.m. - 6:15 a.m.)
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Location: Manassas Baptist Church, 8730 Sudley Rd., Manassas, VA 20111
Please note both hypothermia shelters can serve up to 22 persons on a first come, first served basis. If you have concerns or questions about shelter availability space, you can contact the shelters directly for availability before seeking assistance.
Stay Ahead, Stay Safe and Alert!
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Stay one step ahead by signing up for emergency alerts. Receive timely notifications for specific areas like weather reports for the locality in which you live, and the one in which you work.
Notifications can be sent directly to your phone as text messages 📱 💬 or email 📧
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 Help is Here for You
Emotional distress is an emergency – and Virginia has a number for it. This holiday and winter season and any time after you can call 988 for 24/7 connection to a crisis worker who’s trained to help. And if you need immediate EMT, fire or police help, call 911.
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