By Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register
Des Moines police warn residents of upcoming extremely low temperatures after a man died, possibly due to exposure to the cold.
After temperatures reached near zero in the early hours of Wednesday, Jan. 21, police received a call from the Glenwood Mobile Home Park for a report of a “person down” at around 11 a.m., according to a news release from police spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek.
Officers found a deceased 51-year-old man. Maintenance workers found the man in a vacant carport. Preliminary investigation did not find any obvious injury or indication of criminal circumstances, according to Parizek.
Police received a separate report on Wednesday afternoon of a missing man who had been experiencing homelessness and whose friends had not seen for five days. Evidence indicates the man found at the trailer park was the missing person.
Police believe the man, whose name has not been released, possibly died due to exposure to the cold, Parizek told the Register. An investigation into the man’s death continues to confirm the cause of death.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning across most of Iowa from midnight to noon Friday, with temperatures reaching 11 degrees below zero but feeling an even colder 23 degrees below zero with wind chills. Many central Iowa school districts have cancelled school Friday.
The Polk County extreme temperature plan will go into effect late Thursday night and into Friday due to the low temperatures.
If you see someone or a pet in distress because of the extreme cold, call 911.
What is Polk County’s extreme temperature plan?
When temperatures are extremely cold or extremely hot, officials designate buildings where people can shelter from dangerous weather conditions.
These Extreme Temperature Centers may be open during the facility’s normal business hours or hours may be extended depending on the situation and need.
Polk County activates the plan for extreme cold temperatures when conditions reach 10 degrees with wind chill for three or more days, 5 degrees with wind chill for two or more days or 0 degrees with wind chill for one or more days.
Where are warming shelters in Des Moines and central Iowa?
Warming centers in the Des Moines metro include:
- Des Moines Central Library, 1000 Grand Ave.
- Des Moines Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Ave.
- Des Moines Scott-Four Mile Community Recreation Center, 3711 Easton Blvd.
- Des Moines Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave.
- Polk County Health Department, 1907 Carpenter Ave.
- Des Moines South Side Library, 1111 Porter Ave.
A full list of available warming centers can be found on the Polk County website. The county recommends calling ahead to check for availability.
Stay in the know with stories that matter — visit HolaAmericaNews.com for the latest news, culture, and community updates!
Facebook Comments