With bitterly cold temperatures descending on the area, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is working to make sure everyone has a safe place to stay.
The Chatham-Kent Public Library has temporarily extended its operating hours for Wednesday, January 30 to provide a warm, safe place for the afternoon for anyone who needs shelter from the cold. Library officials said all branches of the local public library will be open Wednesday -- even branches that are normally closed on Wednesdays.
Their hours are as follows:
Bothwell, Tilbury, Ridgetown, Merlin - Noon until 5 p.m.
Blenheim, Wheatley - 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Thamesville - 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Highgate - 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Dresden - Noon until 5 p.m.
Wallaceburg - 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Chatham - 9:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Another option for safe shelter is the Homeless Response Line.
Municipal officials are urging anyone who is experiencing homelessness, or knows someone who is, to call, email, or attend Employment & Social Services in order to arrange safe alternative housing or local emergency accommodations. They can be reached during the business day at 519-351-8573 or ckess@chatham-kent.ca.
When the office is closed, the Homeless Response Line is still available as an option at 519-354-6628. Callers will be screened and directed to a safe place.
For more information on the Homeless Response Line, Homeless Prevention Services, and the Chatham-Kent Housing and Homelessness Plan, you can visit www.chatham-kent.ca/ess.
Keep pets out of the cold
Animal Control officials want to make sure you don't forget about your pets, either.
With the temperature expected to fall as low as -35 C with the windchill, pets could develop frostbite or hypothermia.
Officials are reminding pet owners that if your animal doesn't have proper shelter, the safest place for them is inside your home. Some examples of proper shelter include an insulated dog house with some sort of bedding, and possibly a heat lamp or other materials to keep the animal warm.
Animal Control officers have already received 10 calls in the last three days alone about animals being left out in the cold. They're also reminding the public that it is against the law to allow an animal to remain outdoors during extreme weather -- except for brief walks or brief periods of exercise or if the animal has access to adequate shelter.
If you have concerns about pets being left in the outdoors, you're asked to call Animal Control at 226-996-9969 or Chatham-Kent Police at 519-352-1234.