By Andrew O’Neel
Boundary County Public Information
The National Weather Service is forecasting very cold temperatures in Boundary County starting tomorrow, January 12. Forecasted daytime temperatures near zero during the day and possibly down to -19F degrees at night could be dangerous to pets, livestock and anyone outdoors who does not have adequate clothing. It can also be hard on anyone who finds themselves with inadequate heating in their home.
Boundary County residents can minimize the impact of the extreme cold by:
- Limiting time outdoors
- Dressing appropriately for the cold
- Being aware of the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia
- Checking frequently on the elderly, newborns, pets, and livestock
- If driving, having appropriate clothing and a charged cell phone
Residents who do not have adequate heat in their home who would like to warm up for a while can go to one of several designated “warming centers” in the county, starting Friday. These community organizations have graciously volunteered their heated facilities and will have someone available to let people in to benefit from their heat.
Mid-County:
- Moyie Springs City Hall, 3331 E. Roosevelt, Moyie Springs, available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Just stop in or call (208) 267-5161.
- Senior Hospitality Center, 6635 Lincoln, Bonners Ferry. Open 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Also serves lunch at noon if you call ahead by 10 a.m. the same day and request a lunch. Points of contact: (208) 267-5553 or (208) 267-5554.
- Bonners Ferry Baptist Church, 6892 Cody Street, Bonners Ferry. Available Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. No pets inside the building please. Stop by or call (208) 597-2292.
South County:
- Naples Community Room, Naples Fire Station (South Boundary Fire), 20 Stagecoach Road, Naples. Available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call (208) 290-2613.
Updates and additional locations will be posted on the Boundary County Emergency Management and Public Information Facebook page. Also, follow Boundary County Emergency Management on X (formerly Twitter) @BoundaryOEM.