Central Indiana Cold Wave 2026: Some Essential Local Resources and Safety Tips

Stay safe, fellow Hoosier! January 2026 has already hit Central Indiana hard with record snow and those bone-chilling sub-zero wind chills. For those of us in Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Fishers, and Indy, the "Deep Freeze" isn't just an inconvenience—it’s a health priority.

Whether you are checking on a neighbor or trying to keep your own pipes from freezing, here is a quick-access guide to the resources you need right now.

Vital Emergency Contacts

Save these numbers in your phone now so you aren't searching for them in the dark.

Service	Organization	Contact Info
Life-Threatening Emergency	Emergency Services	911
Essential Resources/Warming Centers	Indiana 211	Dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-211-9966
Power Outage (Indy/Hamilton Co.)	AES Indiana	317-261-8111
Power Outage (Carmel/Westfield/Fishers)	Duke Energy	1-800-343-3525 (Text OUT to 57801)
Road Conditions	Indiana Dept. of Transportation	Dial 5-1-1 or indiana.511.org
Gas	Citizens Energy Group.	317-924-3311

Finding a Warming Center

If your heat goes out or you know someone without a warm place to stay, Indiana 211 is the official hub for warming center locations.

• How to find one: Text your ZIP code to 898-211 or call 2-1-1.

• Local Tip: In Westfield, the City often updates their Winter Weather page for local status.

• Hamilton County: Check the Hamilton County EMA for local alerts.
  

  If your home loses power or you know someone in need of a safe, warm environment, several locations are activated during this extreme cold.

  • Indianapolis: Most Indy Parks Family Centers (like Broad Ripple and Riverside) serve as warming centers during normal business hours.

  • Hamilton County (Carmel, Fishers, Westfield): There is no single "permanent" shelter; instead, centers are activated based on need. The best way to find the one closest to you right now is to call 2-1-1.

  • Boone County (Zionsville): Local libraries often serve as daytime warming stations. Check the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library for current status.

💡 Pro-Tip: Always call 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 first. Community Navigators have real-time lists of which churches, libraries, and community centers have officially opened their doors for the night.

Road & Travel Status

As of late January 2026, Hamilton County has frequently moved into Travel Watch or Travel Warning status

·       Travel Advisory (Yellow): Routine travel may be restricted.

·       Travel Watch (Orange): Only essential travel (work, emergency) is recommended.

·       Travel Warning (Red): Roads are closed to everything except emergency vehicles. Stay home.

Check the Indiana County Travel Status Map before you even pick up your keys.

Health Tips for the Cold Wave

Extreme cold puts massive stress on the body, especially for children and the elderly.

1. Watch for the "Silent" Signs

• Hypothermia: Look for the "mumbles, stumbles, and fumbles." If someone is shivering uncontrollably, confused, or has slurred speech, get them to warmth immediately.

• Frostbite: It starts with a "pins and needles" feeling or red/painful skin, moving to white or grayish-yellow, numb skin. Do not rub the area (this damages tissue); soak in warm (not hot) water.
  

2. The Shoveling Warning

With the recent heavy snow in Indy (over 9 inches!), remember that shoveling in extreme cold is a major trigger for heart attacks.

Action: Take breaks every 10–15 minutes. If you feel chest pain or shortness of breath, stop immediately.

3. Indoor Safety

• Pipes: Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate. If you are in an older Zionsville or Indy home, let a faucet on an exterior wall drip at a rate of about 5 drops per minute.

• Space Heaters: Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything flammable (curtains, rugs, beds) and plug them directly into the wall—never an extension cord.

• Furnace Vents: With the recent heavy snow, ensure your white PVC furnace exhaust pipes (on the side of your house) aren't buried in a drift. Blocked vents can lead to deadly Carbon Monoxide buildup.
  

Community Awareness

·       Check-ins: If you have elderly neighbors (like those we discussed with femur/hip concerns), a quick phone call or knock on the door can be life-saving.

·       Parking: In Westfield and Fishers, try to keep cars off the street so plows can clear the roads to the curb.

Financial Assistance for Heating

If the 2026 bills are becoming overwhelming, programs are available:

• Energy Assistance Program (EAP): Call 2-1-1 to apply for state-level help.

• Winter Assistance Fund: Managed by the United Way of Central Indiana, this helps those who may not qualify for government aid but are struggling with the cold wave spike.

Would you like me to look up the specific address and hours for the nearest library or community center in your specific zip code?

Winter storm resources for Hoosiers This video provides a timely update on the specific community resources, like 211 and food pantries, available to Indiana residents during the current 2026 winter storms.