With temperatures on the outside falling, the Salvation Army says the number of people staying in its winter weather shelter is on the rise.

"Starting Christmas day, we started averaging 23-25 a night.  So, we have seen an increase of about 10 people per night," said Jeff Smith with the Salvation Army.

One of those people is Mark Beggs, who says his normal sleeping arrangements don't cut it.

"I've got a subzero sleeping bag, but that don't get it done in this kind of temperature.  I've been in there for the past week, and probably will be for another week from what I see out of the weather," said Beggs.

Beggs says he's been homeless since he lost his job two years ago, and says it's far from where he'd like to be.

"It's not easy being on the street in cold weather.  There's usually one or two of them that die every year, it seems like," said Beggs.

Reason why the Salvation Army's shelter is so important.

"We just don't want to see that.  We want to try to help save lives, keep people warm, and give them a chance go get a warm cup of coffee, and a safe place to spend the day and the evening," said Smith.

The director of Saint John's trauma unit says it's important for people to take shelter if needed, especially because of wind chills.

"It increases the amount of body heat that's lost.  It also increases the risk for cold injuries," said Dr. Ted McMurry.

One of the biggest is hypothermia, which includes symptoms like confusion, mood changes, dizziness, raised heart rate, and shortness of breath.

But one stands out from the rest.

"Shivering is one of the earliest symptoms that our body is trying to compensate to maintain our heat," said Dr. McMurry.

And to help those on the streets maintain their heat, the Salvation Army says its efforts will continue until temps are bearable.

The organization says it expects to stay open through the weekend, and possibly early next week if needed.

The cold weather shelter is open at Chestnut and Kansas Expressways and will take in anyone who needs a warm place to stay.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the Salvation Army at 862-5509.

Meanwhile, doctors ask if you know anyone that is elderly to also check on them, because that group is also at risk for winter weather illnesses.

Story ideas or comments?  Email me at wcarter@kspr.com