Collier County FL : UPDATE Inclement Weather Shelters Available and Warming Centers Opening

UPDATE
Inclement Weather Shelters Available
Warming Centers Opening

The National Weather Service is predicting colder temperatures the rest of this week, and some area of the county could experience wind chill values and overnight minimum temperatures near critical thresholds. A freeze is possible in the interior portions of Collier County.

With temperatures forecast to be in the 30s and 40s, the following inclement weather shelters are open -

St. Matthews House, 2001 Airport-Pulling Road South, Naples, Florida 34112
[phone]

Immokalee Friendship House, 602 West Main Street, Immokalee, Florida 34142
[phone]

The shelters open at 8 p.m. beginning Wednesday, Jan. 3. Guests must leave the shelters by 5 a.m. each day. A form of identification is required (e.g., photo identification, Social Security number, driver's license, etc.). Background screening may be required. The shelters will be open at 8 p.m. each day the temperature is forecast to be 55 or below.

In addition, the Red Cross will operate a warming center Wednesday, Jan. 3 and Thursday, Jan. 4 from 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. at the Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, Florida 34116. No food services will be provided. The Immokalee Sports Complex, 505 Escambia Street, Immokalee, Florida 34142, will also open as a warming center Wednesday and Thursday, 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.Those who plan to use the warming center should take their own bedding, food, medications, toiletries, water, and anything else they need to be comfortable. For information on the Golden Gate warming center, call [phone]. For information on the Immokalee warming center, call [phone].

As a reminder, the 'Four P's' of cold weather safety include:

1. Protect People: Pay careful attention to children and the elderly. They are especially vulnerable to the cold and the least able to protect themselves. Dress in layers and wear a hat that covers your ears when you are outdoors.
2. Protect Plants: Bring potted plants indoors. Keep outdoor plants and trees watered.
3. Protect Pets: Bring all pets indoors. Pets that must be left outside should have an enclosed shelter with the entrance facing away from the wind.
4. Protect Against Fires in the Home: Take the time to prepare and inspect heating equipment before using. According to the National Fire Protection Association, incorrect use of heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires.

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