Update: 3 p.m. Jan. 30
This story has been updated to show cold weather shelter extended hours.
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A winter storm has caused power outages and canceled flights across the country, and it also brings a week of below-freezing temperatures to the Panhandle.
Low temperatures will drop into the upper teens and mid-20s in the area, according to the National Weather Service in Mobile. During this extreme weather, emergency officials are urging people to remember the five P’s of cold weather preparedness.
Protect People
When it comes to keeping yourself protected, dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves. Check on young children, the elderly, and neighbors who may be vulnerable to the cold weather. If warmer temperatures cannot be maintained at home, make plans to stay elsewhere.
Cold weather shelters in the area include:
Waterfront Rescue Mission (348 W. Herman Ave. Pensacola):
- Men and women
- Will remain open as a warming center during the day when temperatures are below 40, with expanded capacity and no charge during cold weather events.
- ECAT - Escambia County Area Transit will provide free transportation between My Father’s Vineyard and Waterfront Rescue Mission for those going to the designated warming center at Waterfront Rescue Mission. ECAT will also provide transportation from Waterfront Rescue Mission for men and women seeking shelter at My Father's Vineyard, beginning Friday, Jan. 30, at 6 p.m.
My Father's Vineyard (7895 Pensacola Blvd. Pensacola):
- Men and women (no children)
- Open through Feb. 1
- Intake is from 6-7:30 p.m. (must leave by 6:30 a.m., with Escambia County Area Transit providing free transportation to Waterfront starting at 6:30 a.m.)
Project Ministries Worship Center (8620 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola)
- Open all week
Ferris Hill Baptist Church (6848 Chaffin St., Milton)
- Open to all who are homeless or cannot maintain heat in their home
- Open all day on Saturday, Jan. 31, and open at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, only. Those who would like to stay at the shelter Friday, Jan. 30, and Monday, Feb. 2 must arrive between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
- Volunteers are needed on Saturday, Jan. 31, for the 8 -10 a.m. shift and the noon to 2 p.m. shift. Shifts are in two-hour increments, and there will always be at least two volunteers present at all times. Volunteers can contact Ferris Hill Baptist Church at 850-623-3500 and select option #6 (this option is not verbally announced).
One Hopeful Place (1564 N. Beal Ext. Fort Walton Beach)
- Men and women 18 or older
- Open 24 hours through Feb. 2
- Supplies needed include: Hot meals & food items, blankets and warm bedding, gloves and hats, hygiene supplies, and bottled water and coffee supplies
Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless (120 Duggan Ave. Crestview)
- Open through Sunday, Feb. 1
Protect Pets
Bring your pets inside during the cold front. If you feed feral cats, you can use a Styrofoam cooler filled with straw to create a makeshift shelter.
Protect Plants
If you can, move cold-sensitive outdoor plants inside to protected areas. If you leave plants outside, you can cover them with cloth sheets or quilts. The University of Florida has more information on winter plant protection here.
Protect Pipes
When there are freezing temperatures in the forecast, make sure to protect your home plumbing by wrapping exposed pipes in unheated areas and disconnect and drain your outdoor hoses. You should also run a trickle of water from the faucet furthest from your water line to keep pipes from freezing.
Practice Fire Safety
Be safe when you’re using indoor heat sources. Don’t use fuel-burning devices such as grills. When using space heaters, make sure to follow instructions and pay attention to any open flames. If you are going to purchase a space heater, opt for one with tip-over protection — ones that automatically turn off when it falls over.
For more information on weather and emergency alerts: