Hats, gloves, scarves, boots and large winter coats are back in fashion.

For those of us who are fortunate enough to have winter clothes to bundle up in, it’s time to make the switch to winter attire.

However, some people in Butler County don’t have a stash of clothing and gear to protect from cold weather, which made its seasonal debut Wednesday morning, prompting a few school delays and a freeze watch.

According to Rich Redmond from the U.S. National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, Thursday is looking to be the coldest morning this week. He called this week a “roller coaster” in terms of temperatures.

And though it will warm up by the weekend, the cold isn’t going away for long, as November is right around the corner. November will bring more cold temperatures, frost and likely another light showing of snow before December and January roll in with harsher conditions.

Help is already underway with Project Bundle-Up, which benefits children of all ages and seniors 65 and older in and around Butler. Sign-ups happened last month, and coats will be given away later this week.

This is one way the community is responding.

There are other resources, too. In fact, now is the time to get familiar with those resources.

The Center for Community Resources offers utility assistance and can also offer information to assist with weatherization and energy conservation. Their hotline is 844-360-4372, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The Salvation Army is the place to watch when warming shelters become relevant.

Further, because the cold is here, we want to remind people to look out for their neighbors. Make sure your neighbors — especially the elderly — are prepared for the season ahead. Check in on them regularly.

—TL