Due to the cold weather that is expected in Marion County tonight, with temperatures dipping into the low-to-mid 30s, the Salvation Army will have sheltering accommodations in place for those who need to seek refuge.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a freeze is likely to occur inland in northeast Florida, including the Ocala/Marion County area, through Wednesday morning due to the lower temperatures.
The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope, which is located at 320 NW 1st Avenue in Ocala, is preparing for a possible influx of individuals seeking shelter from the cold.
The Emergency Management Division of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office will be working with the Salvation Army and other community partners to ensure the safety and well-being of those who require the need for a cold weather shelter.
The check-in time for those seeking shelter at Center of Hope is at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16. In addition, the center will serve a hot dinner at 5 p.m.
The sheriff’s office recommends that residents follow these P’s of cold weather safety:
- 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.
For more information, visit the National Weather Service in Jacksonville’s website or follow them on Facebook.