Cold temps cause problems

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - With wind chills projected to drop more than 10 degrees below zero Monday night, authorities are encouraging people across the Wabash Valley to take precautions.

On Monday, the National Weather Service issued a Wind Chill Advisory for many Indiana counties. That advisory warns of cold air and winds that could lead to hypothermia and frost bite for those not properly prepared to deal with the elements.

Health experts warn that the cold could put extra strain on the bodies of young children, senior citizens, diabetics and people with chronic illness.

“Your fingertips, you’ll feel them get numb … that’s your body trying to shunt blood to the core, away from your extremities,” said Kyle Rand, an R.N. paramedic at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, describing the effects of long-term exposure to the cold. “When that happens, your body has an increased work load on your heart, increased oxygen demand, because it’s trying to push that blood through those little vessels.”

Meanwhile, workers at the Lighthouse Mission in Terre Haute say they’ve seen more people coming off the streets and out of the cold over the past few days.

“They couldn’t make it on the streets … no money, no place to stay,” said Owen Davenport, who works at the mission. “They’re sleeping in cars. They don’t want to be out in the cars in the cold, so they’re coming in here.”

Davenport says some of those who seek shelter at the mission have been living on the streets, while others cannot afford to heat their homes. He says all are welcome.

“If you need a place to stay, come here. We’ll give you a place to stay,” Davenport said. “We don’t want somebody…catching their house on fire or dying of exposure. If you need a place, we’re here.”