REGINA -- Regina is seeing some extreme cold temperatures this week, the wind chill will have the next few days feeling like -30.

Extreme cold temperatures pose a potential threat to anyone who is outside for more than a few minutes.

Frostbite can happen in a matter of minutes, so dressing appropriately is very important. Experts recommend dressing in layers with a thick coat and boots while making sure all exposed skin is covered. 

It is important your hands are covered and that your head is kept warm with a hat. 

Those who do not have anywhere to escape the cold have options like Carmichael Outreach and other warming centres around the city.  

“We were finally able to get our indoor barriers and coffee rooms set up, so we can finally invite people into our facility to warm up, have a coffee and get out of the cold for a little bit,” said Nick Faye, the development coordinator for Carmichael Outreach.

In typical years, Carmichael Outreach would be a warming facility where clients could stay for as long as they needed to, but because of COVID-19 the shelter had to readjust how they do things.

“We let people in for about 25 minutes. We close the seating area down so when they're getting their lunch instead of waiting outside, even if it's just for a few minutes, they can get out of the elements and get some warmth,” Faye said

Along with providing meals, the Outreach Centre has left a box outside their facility with items like scarfs, hats and gloves for people that need them.

For young people in Regina, finding a safe space can be challenging but the Street Culture Project has a 24-hour emergency shelter to try and help.

“We offer cold weather services overnight, so they can come and access a bed if they're without a place to stay. It’s always open to the youth in the community to come and warm up and be safe,” said Mikayla Krupski, Street Culture Project’s shelter director.

The shelter has also had to take extra precautions because of the pandemic. 

“Anyone who comes in the building gets a health screening, we take temperatures and make sure that everyone's safe.” Krupski said. “We've been following closely with the health guidelines of the province and the city and working closely with [Saskatchewan Health Authority] on those things always.”

Both Carmichael Outreach and Street Culture Project are accepting donations of winter items.