Cold weather shelters to open across Southwest Florida Wednesday night

Writer: Derrick Shaw
Published: Updated:
Photo: VANOC / CC BY-SA 2.0

Wednesday night through Thursday morning, the National Weather Service has advised temperatures will drop into the upper 30s and low 40s, with even colder wind chill values during nighttime hours.

Precautions to take:

  • Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside as they can produce deadly carbon monoxide.
  • Be careful with space heaters. Keep them away from flammable items such as curtains and upholstery. Inspect the heater and electrical cord before use. Do not use extension cords or heaters with defective power cords.
  • You may notice a foul smell for a few minutes if you haven’t turned on your heat yet this winter. If there is an odor of smoke or smoke visible after turning on the heat, call 911.
  • Using fuel-fired appliances indoors for heat is dangerous. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow all directions for use.
  • Make sure your smoke detector is working.
  • Check on neighbors, friends and relatives. The elderly and children are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures.
  • Stay indoors or dress warmly in layers. Wear a hat if you will be outside.
  • Bring pets inside.
  • Cover outdoor plants and bring potted plants indoors.

SHELTERS

Lee County

The Salvation Army will expand its sheltering capacity Wednesday night into Thursday morning for those needing shelter from the cold weather. Registration begins at 7 p.m. The Salvation Army is located at 2476 Edison Ave., Fort Myers.

Highlands County

Emergency Management will be opening a cold weather shelter for residents at the Bert J. Harris Agricultural Center Conference Room #1 at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday until 8:00 a.m. Thursday Morning. This shelter is located at 4509 George Blvd., Sebring FL 33875.

Collier County

The Red Cross and Collier Parks will open a warming station from 9 p.m. Wednesday to 9 a.m. Thursday morning at Immokalee Community Park on 321 North First Street, Immokalee. Residents who plan to stay at a warming center are advised to take their own bedding, food, medications, toiletries, water, and anything else they need to be comfortable.

Charlotte County

The Homeless Coalition, 1476 Kenesaw Street, Port Charlotte, will open a shelter to persons needing refuge from the cold. The shelter will be open Wednesday night from 6:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.

The American Red Cross will be supporting the shelter with cots and blankets. For more information contact the Charlotte County Emergency Management Office at 941-833-4000.

WINK News reporter Kristi Gross spoke to officials in Charlotte County preparing ahead of the cold front:

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