Arctic Essentials - Tips to Stay Safe and Healthy During Frigid Temps

Arctic Essentials - Tips to Stay Safe and Healthy During Frigid Temps

Published on January 22, 2026

DDPHE offers wintertime health and safety reminders as temperatures take a dive; daytime warming centers open Jan. 23-24

A blast of arctic air is expected to drop into the Denver-metro area this weekend, bringing frigid temperatures and snow. Daytime high temperatures will be the lowest we have seen this year and the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) urges the public to take steps to protect themselves and pets from the bitter cold.

Low temperatures can lead to a higher risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning. DDPHE offers these tips to stay safe:

• Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing, including a hat, scarf, an extra layer of socks, and gloves or mittens (mittens can keep your hands even warmer than gloves).

• Look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite and seek medical attention immediately.
  • Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes. Skin can turn white or grayish-yellow and become firm or waxy. To warm the affected area, soak in warm water or use body heat. Don't massage or use a heating pad.
  • Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature accompanied by shivering, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency. Warm the center of the body first-chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped in warm blankets, including the head and neck.

• Prepare for power outages. Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medication. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. In the event of a power outage, keep refrigerators and freezers closed. If your power is out for more than four hours discard perishable food like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers.
  
  
• Learn how to access and shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
  
  
• Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.
  
  
• Perform vehicle safety checks. Check the tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster function, etc. before driving.
  
  
• Listen for emergency information and alerts.

No Heat Emergency

It is also important to keep yourself safe inside during cold weather.

No heat is considered a residential health emergency. If you are a renter, and your heat goes out, the first step you should take is to notify your landlord or property management company. If they fail to respond or correct the problem in a timely manner, you can file a complaint by calling 3-1-1. A residential health investigator will respond to the complaint during regular business hours. Find additional information at https://www.denvergov.org/residentialhealth.

Here are some additional tips to help protect yourself and your family during a no-heat emergency:

• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
• Dress in layers and keep your blinds, drapes and doors closed to prevent heat from escaping.

Daytime Warming Centers and Overnight Shelters

Denver Parks and Recreation will open all currently operating recreation centers as daytime warming centers during regular business hours on Friday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 24, for people who need a place to warm up. Each center will have a designated area available for warming, with access to drinking water, restrooms, and a place to sit.

While not designated as warming centers, open Denver Public Library locations are available to the public as an indoor reprieve from the cold. Double-check library hours in advance: denverlibrary.org/locations.

Residents can call 720-865-5444 to learn the status of warming centers.

The Department of Housing Stability (HOST) began providing extra shelter on Friday, Jan. 16 at 1 p.m., which will remain open as long as cold weather conditions continue. Learn more here: https://www.denvergov.org/findshelter.

Keep pets safe too!

Denver Animal Protection (DAP) reminds residents not to forget the needs of pets during cold weather. While dogs and cats may have fur coats, that's not enough protection from frigid temperatures. The safest place for your pets is indoors. If your pet must be outside for a longer duration, Denver requires they have adequate outdoor shelter, like a doghouse, that allows the animal to escape the elements.

Other tips to consider for your furry family members:

• Remove snow, ice, salt and other ice-treatment chemicals from their coats and paws when they come in from the outdoors. This keeps them dry and prevents them from ingesting chemicals.
• Check for cracks in paw pads or redness between toes. Massaging petroleum jelly into paw pads before going outside can protect from salt and chemical agents.
• Don't leave dangerous and potentially lethal chemicals like snow and ice remover or anti-freeze within your pet's reach.
• Check under the hood of outdoor vehicles before starting them up. Stray cats often look for refuge in warm engines.

If you see a dog exposed to the dangerous cold without appropriate shelter, call the Denver Animal Protection Dispatch number, 720-913-2080. Failure to protect a pet could lead to a $999 fine, and/or 300 days in jail.

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