As the temperature prepares to plummet in Marion County this holiday weekend, the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope in Ocala is offering shelter accommodations to anyone seeking refuge from the cold weather.
“We have our facility open at 320 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475 for anyone that needs to get out of the cold,” said Major Phillip Irish, a Corps Officer with the Salvation Army.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a freeze watch will be in effect in northeast Florida, including Marion County, on Friday night and Saturday morning. In addition, hard freeze and wind chill advisories will likely be in effect on Friday night through Saturday night and potentially into Sunday evening.
“With these frigid temperatures, it is extremely dangerous to be exposed to the elements for even a brief period of time. So, we are urging all those without shelter to come in. We have hot meals and drinks to warm you up too,” stated Major Irish.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office recommends that residents follow the “Five P’s of Cold Weather Preparedness” to remain safe as temperatures drop:
- Protect people: Dress in warm layers and wear a hat and gloves.
- Protect pets: Bring outdoor pets inside or provide a warm shelter for them.
- Protect plants: Cover cold-sensitive plants to protect them from dangerous temperatures.
- Practice fire safety: Use safe heating sources indoors. Do not use fuel-burning devices such as grills because they release deadly carbon monoxide.
- Protect pipes: Cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing and breaking.
The Salvation Army – Center of Hope is located at 320 NW 1st Avenue in Ocala, and the check-in time for those seeking shelter is at 6:30 p.m.