UPDATE: Valley warming centers offered as refuge from bitter cold

Temperatures around zero in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys have prompted some organizations to offer places to get warm.

Wind chills as low as 24 below zero could cause frostbite on the exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.

Lingering cold with sub-zero wind chills could continue through Wednesday night.

Local Warming Centers:

Mahoning County:

• Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, 1300 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Youngstown, 
• AMVETS Post 44, 305 Elm St, Struthers. 
• Austintown Senior Center, 112 Westchester Drive. No programming on Tuesday and Wednesday. Contact the fire department if needed, and the center will open as a warming center.

Trumbull County:

• Vienna Fire Department, 833 Youngstown Kingsville Rd NE, will open if needed.
• Lordstown Administration Building, 1455 Salt Springs Rd: If there is a power outage, the fire department will open for anyone in need.
• Newton Falls Administration Building: 612 West Broad Street. Will open if needed.
• Braceville Fire Department, 800 Newton Falls Braceville Road, 8 am to 4 pm this week.
• Bristol Fire Department, 2100 State Route 88 NW, Bristol Township.

Mercer County:

• Hermitage Fire Department Station #3, 541 Mercer Avenue, Hermitage, PA, Call 724-662-6110 to make arrangements

• Community Arts Experience, Inc., 75 Mercer Avenue, Wheatland, Pennsylvania. Open Monday through Friday from 12 Noon to 4 PM

Here are some safety tips to remember during this cold weather emergency:

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.

To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.