Spokane Fire Department looking out for people in danger during extreme cold

1 hour ago

Posted: December 21, 2022 10:35 AM

Updated: December 21, 2022 10:45 AM

SPOKANE, Wash. — Dangerous, sub-zero-degree temperatures will be sticking around with us through Thursday.

First responders are doing what they can to keep our homeless community indoors.

Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer says they’ve made some progress getting people into shelters or connected with others ahead of the cold weather.

But for those refusing to go anywhere, crews will be making rounds throughout the day to check on people — in parks, under bridges, at storefronts and near the STA bus plaza.

Dangerously cold weather will be with us through Thursday. 🥶

We’re live with @SpokaneFire this morning talking about their efforts to get our homeless community to warmer places — and what you can do to help if you see anyone out. @kxly4news pic.twitter.com/jqFHhZfDHp

— Destiny Richards (@DstnyRichardsTV) December 21, 2022

If you see anyone that needs help, Schaeffer says don’t hesitate to call 911.

“Just call 911, it’s not a bother, it’s what we do,” Schaeffer said. “We would prefer from a community risk reduction standpoint, to be proactive and make contact with these people and get them into a program and help them out.”

Common signs of hypothermia to look for in others include confusion, slurred speech, exhaustion and sleepiness and fumbling hands.

You can find more information about hypothermia and frostbite on the CDC website.

RELATED: City, County, and Camp Hope officials focus on getting people shelter amid freezing temperatures