23/01/2026
EXTREME COLD WARNING — PLEASE READ 🚨
As someone who has worked on the streets with our unhoused community for many years, I cannot stress this enough: these temperatures are deadly. Cold like this kills people quietly and quickly.
Many unsheltered individuals will not seek help on their own—because of trauma, mental health challenges, bad past experiences, or simply not knowing where to go. That’s why community awareness matters so much right now.
If you see someone outside during these temperatures, here’s how you can help immediately:
🧥 What to give (these items save lives):
• Heavy coats, hoodies, thermal layers
• Hats, gloves, scarves
• Thick socks (new if possible)
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hand warmers
• Hot drinks or ready-to-eat food
Even one warm item can make the difference between survival and hypothermia.
📞 Who to call:
• 911 — if the person is unresponsive, confused, severely shivering, or appears in medical distress
• 211 — for local warming centers, shelters, and outreach resources
• Your local homeless outreach team or non-emergency police line to request a welfare check
Signs of a cold-related emergency include:
❄️ Uncontrollable shivering
❄️ Slurred speech
❄️ Confusion or disorientation
❄️ Extreme fatigue or loss of consciousness
Please don’t assume someone “is used to the cold.” No one is. I’ve personally seen people lose fingers, feet, and their lives to weather like this.
If you can’t stop, make the call. If you can help, do it safely and respectfully. If you can share this post, please do.
Looking out for our most vulnerable neighbors during extreme weather is how lives are saved.
Thank you for caring. 💙
❄️ Extreme Cold Weather Alert ❄️
With extreme cold temperatures expected over the next few days—and more winter weather possible—please take steps to stay warm and safe.
If you or someone you know needs a warm place to go, several warming centers are available in and around our community. These locations provide a safe space to escape the cold during severe winter conditions.
👉 For a list of warming center locations, hours, and additional winter weather safety tips, visit: https://www.elkgrove.org/Home/Components/News/News/6401/31