Hypothermia Fact Sheet The hypothermia season begins November 1 and ends March 31. The Emergency Management Agency issues Hypothermia Alerts when the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, or when the wind chill factor creates the same effect. The hours of operation for the hypothermia alert are 7pm to 7am, but will be extended until the temperature or wind chill factor rises above 32 degrees. Those who do not come in from the cold when hypothermia alerts are issued put themselves in life-threatening positions. The body enters into a hypothermia state when its temperature is below 95 degrees. DHS has established partnerships with business and community organizations to prevent hypothermia deaths. Participants wear "I'm a Hypothermia Watch Partner" buttons, post flyers and encourage others to be alert for those in need of assistance. The District of Columbia government has provided intensive outreach and shelter services to the homeless since 1986. DC Law 7-24, the Frigid Temperature Protection Amendment Act of 1988, was passed to assure that the homeless are sheltered when the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Shelter services are provided to approximately 13,480 men, women, and families throughout the year. The current shelter system provides more than 1,970 beds for single adults and families with children. Approximately 600 people who are at risk choose not to enter shelters. During the winter of 2001, the United Planning Organization (UPO) Shelter Hotline recorded a total of 15,211 calls and provided 6,113 one-way trips to shelters. UPO also distributed 11,226 blankets; 82 sleeping bags; 25 pairs of shoes and boots; and 1,533 hats, scarves, and gloves to the homeless. Twelve agencies provide the homeless who remain on the streets with food, beverages, blankets, gloves, jackets, boots, hats, sleeping bags, medical services, case management, and counseling.