The winter period is primarily characterized by significant and frequent drops in temperature, which pose a potential threat to the life and health of homeless, isolated and elderly people. During this period, the risk of loss of life also applies to intoxicated people who are outdoors or in abandoned and unheated spaces.
That is why Lower Silesian police officers are taking preventive measures to minimize the number of such incidents and ensure that everyone who needs help receives it. Officers monitor and inspect places where homeless people may stay. They also pay particular attention to people under the influence of alcohol who are in circumstances that endanger their lives.
All these activities are aimed at providing assistance. Therefore, while carrying out their duties, police officers also provide information and any help needed to reach facilities assisting homeless people and others requiring care.
– We appeal to all residents of Lower Silesia to inform the police and other services about every person they notice, including anyone under the influence of alcohol, who is in circumstances that may cause hypothermia during freezing weather – officers from our region say. – Let us not remain indifferent to such people. In such a situation, all it takes is to respond and notify the appropriate services. Let us remember that someone's life may depend on our involvement and assistance.
Every year in Poland, deaths of homeless and isolated people caused by hypothermia are recorded. Unfortunately, during this winter as well, although it arrived relatively late, the first fatalities have already been reported in Lower Silesia. In recent days, two people have died, presumably from hypothermia, in Kłodzko and Wrocław counties.
Let us remember that homeless people find freezing days and nights particularly difficult to endure as they seek shelter in allotment gardens, railway stations or basements in an attempt to survive. It is also worth checking whether elderly and isolated people living nearby need help. We can also notify the Social Welfare Centre about a neighbour's or acquaintance's difficult situation.
The current low temperatures have affected everyone very quickly. Therefore, for your own safety, remember to dress warmly and eat a filling meal before leaving home. Let us also remember how important it is to use stoves and gas heaters properly—old appliances that have not been inspected or cleaned can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
asp. szt. Paweł Petrykowski/ii