When temperatures outside are low, police officers pay particular attention during patrols to places where homeless people may seek shelter and spend the night. These are usually vacant buildings, allotment gardens and garden huts. “Every year, we monitor these people’s situation and offer help ourselves to anyone who needs it. When we find such people, we always offer to take them to centres where it is warm, where they can have a hot meal and sleep in normal conditions,” say the officers from Bolesławiec.
One of the most common, and at the same time most misleading, myths is that alcohol is the best way to warm up. This is not true. In fact, at first a person drinking alcohol feels warm, but shortly afterwards their body is even more exposed to the cold. Going outside while under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous. A moment of inattention, a slippery, uneven surface—and someone can trip, fall and lack the strength to get up. In such circumstances, tragedy is all too easy. Therefore, we should not remain indifferent to people who have been drinking during severe frosts. “Let us remember that they require special help from us: an intoxicated person loses body heat considerably faster,” the police officers stress.
They add:
We appeal to everyone not to remain indifferent to the needs of another person. Reports can be made by calling 997, 112 or the emergency medical service. Our concern may help save someone’s life. We should also try to show kindness ourselves and extend a helping hand to those who need assistance. Let us not pass such people by indifferently.
Let us remember: one phone call can save someone’s life!