Floyd Emergency Management’s list of day, overnight warming shelters

Media release: A hard freeze is expected across much of North and Central Georgia Wednesday through Thursday night. A reinforcing surge of cold artic air will spread over Georgia resulting in a hard freeze for Wednesday through Thursday and Friday for much of north and Central Georgia. Temperatures on Wednesday night are expected to plunge to 10 degree. Thursday daytime temperatures will not rise above freezing and low temperatures are expected to be colder than the previous night with lows plummeting to 9 degree. These prolonged periods of extreme cold temperatures accompanied by a 15-20 mile an hour wind could be harmful for humans and animals.

Floyd County residents need to prepare for winter weather by bringing there pets indoors or provide them adequate shelter from the elements. “Remember, the key to surviving severe cold weather is to be prepared ahead of time,” says Floyd County Emergency Management Director Tim Herrington. “When indoors keep space heaters away from walls, furniture and curtains. If you suspect a problem with your heater get it repaired immediately. When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, light-weight, warm/dry clothing in several layers and wear a hat when possible to help contain body heat.” Don’t forget about wrapping your pipes under your homes and leave water drizzling in sinks to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.”

Every winter people die in America from exposure to the cold. Winter weather is linked to accidental fires, traffic mishaps, hypothermia and frost bite. Floyd County residents are encouraged to take appropriate protective actions against the upcoming extremely cold temperatures. There are currently warming shelters available to anyone that needs these services at the following locations.

Warming Shelters

• Thornton Rec. Center 7:30am- 9:00pm Mon-Fri 102 North Floyd Park Rd.
• Etowah Senior Center 9:00am- 5:30pm Mon-Fri 1325 Kingston Rd.
• Rome Floyd Rec (Main Office) 8:30am-7:00pm Mon-Fri 1 Shorter Ave.
• Salvation Army 7 p.m.-8 a.m. Mon-Fri 310 E. First Ave.
• Davies Shelter 5 p.m.-9 a.m. Mon-Sun 230 South Broad St.

For more information on winter weather preparedness visit Floyd County’s website at www.romefloyd.com and link to Emergency Management. Other valuable sites include www.nws.noaaa.gov or www.redcross.org.

Hometown update:

Life Church, the Salvation Army and other congregations are opening a warming shelter for those in need again tonight (Thursday).

The fellowship hall attached to the Salvation Army’s campus in downtown Rome is being used as the shelter. It is different from the overnight shelter the Salvation Army offers men and women. There is no paper work to sign; guests cannot bring drugs, alcohol or pets into the temporary shelter.

Admission stops at 10 tonight and the guests will be fed a morning meal before leaving. For details, contact Callette Hollingsworth at Life Church. Donations and volunteers are welcome. Call 706-290-4257 or email [email protected]